jclsmith
Ive just been through a run of getting a flat everytime I go out and I have an idea that it may by the a problem with the tape. Can I use normal electrical tape to fix this or should I got to my LBS and buy some proper tape?
What type of rim tape should I use?
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531Aussie
no, electrical tape is no good.
it's well worth it to get some proper, cloth rim tape from a bike shop.
The difference in the effectiveness is night and day. Make sure you get the right width
There are several good brands; I use Zefal, which is about 4 bucks Australian.
Velox is also pretty good:
http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/11972-343_VELRT2-3-Parts-66-Rims/Velox-Cloth-Rim-Tape.htm
Some shops around here are trying to offload a thinner type of Ritchey tape that comes in a huge roll, because it's cheap. It ain't as good as the thicker, cloth stuff.
Some 'Weight Weenies' complains that it's heavy -- it's about 14g a roll!!!
it's well worth it to get some proper, cloth rim tape from a bike shop.
The difference in the effectiveness is night and day. Make sure you get the right width
There are several good brands; I use Zefal, which is about 4 bucks Australian.
Velox is also pretty good:
http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/11972-343_VELRT2-3-Parts-66-Rims/Velox-Cloth-Rim-Tape.htm
Some shops around here are trying to offload a thinner type of Ritchey tape that comes in a huge roll, because it's cheap. It ain't as good as the thicker, cloth stuff.
Some 'Weight Weenies' complains that it's heavy -- it's about 14g a roll!!!
Retro Grouch
Ive just been through a run of getting a flat everytime I go out and I have an idea that it may by the a problem with the tape. Can I use normal electrical tape to fix this or should I got to my LBS and buy some proper tape?The issue is that the rim tape has to completely cover all of the spoke holes. The tiniest sliver of exposed spoke hole will cut right through an inner tube that has 100psi of air pressure. Many new bikes come with hard plastic rim strips that tend to migrate side to side and expose the spoke holes.
For no more than real rim tape costs and considering the aggrivation of repeated flat tires, I think that real rim tape is well worth the price. I personally prefer cloth rim tape, like Velox. For best results the rim tape should fit the rim snugly from flange to flange. Most road bikes take the 17mm width.
For no more than real rim tape costs and considering the aggrivation of repeated flat tires, I think that real rim tape is well worth the price. I personally prefer cloth rim tape, like Velox. For best results the rim tape should fit the rim snugly from flange to flange. Most road bikes take the 17mm width.
Jeff D.
The issue is that the rim tape has to completely cover all of the spoke holes. The tiniest sliver of exposed spoke hole will cut right through an inner tube that has 100psi of air pressure. Many new bikes come with hard plastic rim strips that tend to migrate side to side and expose the spoke holes.
For no more than real rim tape costs and considering the aggrivation of repeated flat tires, I think that real rim tape is well worth the price. I personally prefer cloth rim tape, like Velox. For best results the rim tape should fit the rim snugly from flange to flange. Most road bikes take the 17mm width.
I also think you should buy real rim tape. I use specialized and it works great. It is pretty thick and does not want to move at all. I get at my LBS for about 3 bucks.
Jeff
For no more than real rim tape costs and considering the aggrivation of repeated flat tires, I think that real rim tape is well worth the price. I personally prefer cloth rim tape, like Velox. For best results the rim tape should fit the rim snugly from flange to flange. Most road bikes take the 17mm width.
I also think you should buy real rim tape. I use specialized and it works great. It is pretty thick and does not want to move at all. I get at my LBS for about 3 bucks.
Jeff
gclark8
I recently bought new wheels, Deep-V Velocity, my LBS supplied a pack (72) of VeloPlugs. I had some spare so removed the tape from the training wheel and have fitted VeloPlugs to it as well. Tyres are now easier to fit.
http://www.velocitywheels.com/accessory.htm
http://www.velocitywheels.com/accessory.htm
DiabloScott
I recently bought new wheels, Deep-V Velocity, my LBS supplied a pack (72) of VeloPlugs. I had some spare so removed the tape from the training wheel and have fitted VeloPlugs to it as well. Tyres are now easier to fit.
http://www.velocitywheels.com/accessory.htm
Electrical tape also gets gummy and falls apart after a while. The minimum he should consider is rim tape or bands that are intended for rims. Also he should look at his tubes to figure out if it really is the rim tape - if it's bad he'll be able to see spoke hole bubbles along the inside circumference.
VeloPlugs work but they might fall out while you're changing a flat without your noticing - think about what you're looking at while you're stuffing the tube in the tire and you'll see that it's quite possible not to see that one is missing.
http://www.velocitywheels.com/accessory.htm
Electrical tape also gets gummy and falls apart after a while. The minimum he should consider is rim tape or bands that are intended for rims. Also he should look at his tubes to figure out if it really is the rim tape - if it's bad he'll be able to see spoke hole bubbles along the inside circumference.
VeloPlugs work but they might fall out while you're changing a flat without your noticing - think about what you're looking at while you're stuffing the tube in the tire and you'll see that it's quite possible not to see that one is missing.
Doctor Morbius
I use Velox most of the time. However, when a rim is tight and the tire doesn't want to go on I'll break down and use the rim strips as they're thinner and I can get the tire on and off more easily.
Velox first. Rim strips only if there is a fit issue.
Velox first. Rim strips only if there is a fit issue.
BikeyGuy
I think I've tried em all.
Hutchinson works the best. High pressure plastic strips.
Nashbar has em...$5.00 for 2.
They're blue.
Hutchinson works the best. High pressure plastic strips.
Nashbar has em...$5.00 for 2.
They're blue.
jclsmith
Just replaced the tape coupla spoke holes were visible so hopefully fixed the problem. I used velox tape by the way.
Tks for the tips
Tks for the tips
artmichalek
I use Velox most of the time. However, when a rim is tight and the tire doesn't want to go on I'll break down and use the rim strips as they're thinner and I can get the tire on and off more easily.
Velox first. Rim strips only if there is a fit issue.
Velox (or any similar cloth tape) will outlive your rims. Electrical tape will work for a little while, but if you want something you can put on and forget about you need the real thing.
Velox first. Rim strips only if there is a fit issue.
Velox (or any similar cloth tape) will outlive your rims. Electrical tape will work for a little while, but if you want something you can put on and forget about you need the real thing.
shokhead
Just had the same problem. The reg narrow rimtape was giving me flats and the widest was to wide. I didnt know they made one inbetween that covers one side to the other on road rims. No flats now.
Doctor Morbius
Velox (or any similar cloth tape) will outlive your rims. Electrical tape will work for a little while, but if you want something you can put on and forget about you need the real thing.Artmichalek, I don't use electrical tape. Never did. Velox cloth tape is my first choice. Rim strips if there is a fit issue and tire is hard to get on and off of rim.
http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=113&subcategory=1128&brand=&sku=16147&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=
http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=113&subcategory=1128&brand=&sku=16147&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=
Dieseldan
Velox (or any similar cloth tape) will outlive your rims. Electrical tape will work for a little while, but if you want something you can put on and forget about you need the real thing.Rim tape should be replaced once a season in road bikes, as you run much higher tire pressure then an MTB. I neglected my front wheel last year and ended up with a chronic flat front until I replaced the tape.
shokhead
I've never changed my rim tape in my elites.
artmichalek
Rim tape should be replaced once a season in road bikes, as you run much higher tire pressure then an MTB. I neglected my front wheel last year and ended up with a chronic flat front until I replaced the tape.
I've got a roll of Velox on one road wheel that's almost 15 years old. When I rebuilt the wheel with a new rim a few years back I kept the old tape. It's still in fine shape despite the high tire pressure.
I've got a roll of Velox on one road wheel that's almost 15 years old. When I rebuilt the wheel with a new rim a few years back I kept the old tape. It's still in fine shape despite the high tire pressure.
jclsmith
well went for a ride with the new rim tape and after about 40k got a flat which put a dampner on the day. Checked the rim and it looks like the tape wasnt wide enough. Got a new wider roll and will give that a fly
gclark8
Should have gone with the VeloPlugs... :D
DiabloScott
Rim tape should be replaced once a season in road bikes, as you run much higher tire pressure then an MTB. I neglected my front wheel last year and ended up with a chronic flat front until I replaced the tape.
~~~channelling Boudreaux~~~~
HOOOEY!
~~~channelling Boudreaux~~~~
HOOOEY!
alienator
~~~channelling Boudreaux~~~~
HOOOEY!
Exactly! I just about always have two rolls of Velox in my toolbox, but that's just in case someone else needs some and because of my wife's penchant for dressing up like Eva Braun and wanting to be bound with tape. Duct tape leaves too much residue on her wrists and on the saddle.
HOOOEY!
Exactly! I just about always have two rolls of Velox in my toolbox, but that's just in case someone else needs some and because of my wife's penchant for dressing up like Eva Braun and wanting to be bound with tape. Duct tape leaves too much residue on her wrists and on the saddle.
lwedge
Electrical tape also gets gummy and falls apart after a while. Scott, it sounds like you speak from experience.:D
Ironically, I recently pulled a tire and tube from my old Schwinn WS and lo and behold, homemade fond de jante !
I have put many miles on that electrical tape, until about 3 years ago that is.
I remember when and where I put the electrical tape on...... 1993, on my apartment balcony and yes you are right, the tape was gummy kind of brittle. I quickly chucked the 3m and replaced with Zefal.
Lw
Ironically, I recently pulled a tire and tube from my old Schwinn WS and lo and behold, homemade fond de jante !
I have put many miles on that electrical tape, until about 3 years ago that is.
I remember when and where I put the electrical tape on...... 1993, on my apartment balcony and yes you are right, the tape was gummy kind of brittle. I quickly chucked the 3m and replaced with Zefal.
Lw
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