What Is Bike Rim Tape?
Why Use It? What is it?
Bike rim tape is a cloth, pvc or nylon tape that runs around your bike rim to protect your inner tube from being punctured by your spokes and or spoke holes.
Rim Strips: Most entry level bikes and many older bikes come with rubber rim strips that stretch around your rim like a big rubber band. These rubber strips can tear or dry out and break, leaving you unprotected from below.
By replacing your rubber rim strips with either cloth rim tape or nylon rim strips you will be much better protected against punctures from your spokes and or spoke holes.
Are you getting multiple flats?
Chances are if you've changed tubes & tires but are still getting flats on a regular basis then your rim strip or tape may be to blame!
By: Matt Donovan,
3rd generation Owner and General Manager of Dedham Bike
Last updated: 1/10/25
Thanks to Stan's No Tubes For This Video!
Tubeless Rim Tape
When setting your tubeless ready rims up to go tube free you need to first line your rim bed with some tubeless rim tape. Our go to tape is by Stan's .
The tape will cover your spoke holes and any gaps in the rim that would allow air to escape over time, allowing for your tubeless set up to go flat in a short period of time.
In conjunction with tubeless rim tape you will need some sealant and tubeless ready valves to complete the setup.
An air compressor or large canister of compressed air helps in a big way during inflation, a hand pump can be very frustrating to use here.
Velox Rim Tape
Made in France, Velox is widely considered to be the best cloth rim tape you can buy. It is lightweight and very durable. It is our go-to rim tape and is used every day here at the store.
What size does Velox come in?
Velox comes in three primary sizes, 16mm, 19mm and 22mm.
The 16mm width is most often used for road and hybrid wheels while the 22mm is used for wider mountain bike rims.
What size rim tape do i need?
Ultimately you'll want to measure your rim's inner width or take your wheel to your local shop for help finding what size you need.
Velox properly installed on a mountain bike wheel. To determine the correct width rim tape you'll need to measure the inside width of your rim from side to side. How do you install Velox rim tape?
It's quite easy to install once you've removed your old tape or rim strip. It has a slightly sticky backing that will make contact with your rim to help keep it in place. Having a clean surface definitely helps with the application process. (Rubbing alcohol works well to clean your rim's surface.) You want your tape to be taut around the rim so it doesn't move around on you. Also, be sure to keep the valve hole lined up during the install process; inserting a valve or small screwdriver through the valve hole in the tape and your rim's valve hole helps keep things aligned. Allow your tape to overlap, but be sure not to tape over your valve hole by snipping the excess tape with a pair of scissors, etc.
Now, let’s delve into the details that ensure your rim tape effectively protects your inner tube:
Coverage of Spoke Holes and Edges: Make sure the rim tape is installed to cover all the wheel’s interior spoke holes and any sharp metal edges. This coverage is crucial to prevent these edges from puncturing the inner tube.
Correct Fit: The type and size of the rim tape are important for a snug fit. If the tape slips when replacing a tube or mounting a tire, it could lead to flats. Ensuring the right fit is key to maintaining stability.
Appropriate Thickness: The thickness of the rim tape should allow it to fit within your rim cavity while still leaving space for the tire. If the tape is too thick, mounting the tire on the rim might become impossible.
Longevity: Properly installed rim tape often lasts the lifetime of the wheel. However, if you notice any issues, it’s wise to replace the tape to maintain optimal protection.
By following these guidelines, your rim tape installation will not only be straightforward but also ensure long-lasting protection for your inner tubes, keeping your rides smooth and worry-free.
More Things About Bike Rim Tape
- It comes in multiple widths
- Make sure you have the right width
- Proper installation is very important - Improperly installed tape can lead to more flats as well as increased difficulty installing your tire on the rim.
- Ensuring that the rim tape is the correct type and size is crucial. When the tape fits the rim snugly, it prevents any slipping that might occur during the process of replacing a tube or mounting a tire.
- Without this snug fit, the tape can shift, potentially exposing sharp edges or spoke holes that can cause flats. This is why selecting the right rim tape is essential for both performance and ease of maintenance.
Here's a quick checklist to ensure you're using the right rim tape:
Taking these steps will help maintain your bike's performance and reduce the risk of flats, making your rides smoother and more enjoyable.
- Type and Size: Confirm the tape matches the rim's specifications.
- Snug Fit: Double-check that the tape sits flush against the rim without gaps.
- Condition: Replace any worn or damaged tape to maintain effectiveness.
- Improperly installed tape can lead to more flats as well as increased difficulty installing your tire on the rim. To ensure a smooth tire mounting process, it's essential to consider the width and thickness of your rim tape.
Width Matters: If the rim tape is too wide, it can encroach on the space needed for the tire bead, making it challenging to get the tire seated properly.
Thickness is Key: Rim tape that is too thick can fill up the rim cavity excessively, leaving insufficient space for the tire. This can make mounting the tire not just difficult but sometimes impossible.
Balanced Fit: For optimal performance, the rim tape should fit snugly within your rim cavity without being overly bulky. This ensures you have enough space to mount the tire securely while also protecting against flats.
Carefully choosing the right rim tape dimensions can save you time and frustration, ensuring your tires are mounted correctly and function reliably.
- Cloth rim tape generally sells for around $5
If you're unsure about the right width or how to go about installation, your local bike shop should be able to help you. The service staff there are knowledgeable and available to offer assistance and advice on not just rim tape, but other technical bicycle issues you might encounter. Whether you're dealing with a tricky installation or need expert recommendations, the staff can provide the guidance you need to keep your ride smooth and safe.For a seamless experience, consider visiting during off-peak hours to ensure you get the attention you need. Here’s what you can typically expect from their support:
- Personalized Advice: Get recommendations tailored to your specific bike model and riding style.
- Hands-On Assistance: Some shops may offer to install the rim tape for you or demonstrate the process.
- Comprehensive Solutions: Whether it's rim tape or other components like brakes and gears, they can help troubleshoot a range of issues.
- By leveraging the expertise at your local bike shop, you can confidently tackle any bicycle maintenance challenge that comes your way.
When to Replace Rim Tape
Rim tape is a crucial component in the longevity and performance of your wheels. While it's designed to withstand the life of the wheel, there are certain instances when you should consider replacing it.
Signs It's Time for Replacement
Leaks or Flats: If you’re experiencing unexpected flats or leaks, the rim tape may be damaged or improperly installed, allowing the tube to pinch or puncture against spoke holes.
Visible Wear and Tear: Over time, tape can deteriorate. Check for cracks, tears, or any looseness that could compromise its effectiveness.
After Tire or Wheel Repairs: Whenever you perform significant repairs or maintenance, inspect the rim tape. It may not be visibly damaged but could be misaligned.
Upgrading or Changing Tires: If you decide to upgrade or switch to a different tire size, it's a good opportunity to inspect and possibly replace the rim tape, ensuring optimal compatibility.
Maintaining rim tape is a simple yet essential part of wheel care. Regular inspections can prevent issues on the road, keeping your ride smooth and trouble-free.
Key Qualities Performance-Oriented Riders Seek in Rim Tape
When it comes to rim tape, performance-oriented cyclists have specific preferences that enhance their racing or high-intensity riding experiences.
Lightweight Design
For racers focused on optimizing speed, lightweight rim tape is crucial. It reduces overall wheel weight, allowing for quicker acceleration and improved handling.Durability
Despite the need for reduced weight, rim tape must also offer robust protection. It should withstand the rigors of racing environments and shield the inner tube from potential punctures caused by sharp spoke holes or other hazards.Reliable Performance
Riders demand rim tape that consistently performs under pressure. It should maintain its integrity during high-speed maneuvers and tough road conditions, ensuring peace of mind on every ride.
By balancing these essential qualities, cyclists can choose rim tape that complements their performance goals while providing essential protection and reliability.