Rim tape installation on rims with drop center?

Husum89

Hi there

I have a set of Reynolds Assault SLG that came without rim tape.

Reynolds suggests using 22mm, however, I have a question regarding installation.

The rim has a drop center and requires "sticky" rim tape such as velox. How do I install the rim tape? Should it follow the drop, or go straight over? See picture for explanation (red is tape).

Is A or B correct?

fenix

I'd just go straight over the top. If i've not got rim tape handy in the past I've just done a couple of loops with insulation tape. Worked just as well.

webboo

Shirley it should sit in the bottom of the rim.

Husum89

So that was two opposite responses, perhaps I should start a poll .

what speaks against it sitting at the bottom is that velox is rather stiff, so perhaps it will make the edges of the tape point upwards slightly, if that makes sense.

What speaks against the other option, is that the inflated tube will press the tape down towards the dropped center, making a more unstable build.

I'm a bit confused here :-)

Husum89

Looking at pictures from the web, it seems that webboo is correct. I'll update once the extra wide tape arrives tomorrow morning.

lostboysaint

Yep, thumb it in

ugo.santalucia

Velox won't work... it will crease. You need tubeless tape, Stans 21 mm wide should do the job

Husum89

Thanks ugo. Just researched som more, and it seems you are right. Crap...

I've got a race tomorrow afternoon. If I can't find tubeless tape before that, do you think velox will work as a temporary solution?

webboo

Husum89 wrote:

Looking at pictures from the web, it seems that webboo is correct. I'll update once the extra wide tape arrives tomorrow morning.

Sometimes I even surprise myself.

Husum89

And could I use schwalbes tubeless tape instead of Stans?

photonic69

Husum89 wrote:

I've got a race tomorrow afternoon. If I can't find tubeless tape before that, do you think velox will work as a temporary solution?

I can't see a reason why Velox won't work. I've just applied some to my rims without issue. Ok not same rims as yours, but tape is flexible enough I'd have thought to work. Just pull tight and smooth it in as you pull it round.

ugo.santalucia

Husum89 wrote:

And could I use schwalbes tubeless tape instead of Stans?

Yes, just double check the width. It needs to be slightly wider than the rim. So if the rim internal is 16-17, then you want 19 or so, if it's 18-19 then you want 21 and if it's 20 mm or more, then you need the 25 mm one

Husum89

Thanks to all of you.

Photonic: Velox might work okay, but it seems it is not recommended for tubeless ready wheels. Due to the drop center, it is recommended that you use tubeless rim tape, likely because it is thinner and a lot more flexible.

Ugo: Perfect, thank you very much. The internal diameter between the "hooks" is 17mm, but more like 19-20mm at the bottom. Reynolds recommend 22mm, but as this is not widely available, I'll pick up some 21mm when the shops open up this morning.

Husum89

Update: Schwalbe 21 mm tubeless rim tape installed succesfully.

apreading

You need the 'drop' to put the tyre bead in while mounting it, so that you can get the last bit of the bead over the rim - you may not be able to get the tyre on otherwise.

ugo.santalucia

apreading wrote:

You need the 'drop' to put the tyre bead in while mounting it, so that you can get the last bit of the bead over the rim - you may not be able to get the tyre on otherwise.

The drop is tubeless feature, the raised ramps allow the tyre to seal against them