Bicycle Mechanics - Thinner Rim Tape?

Is there any rim tape that is not as thick as Velox but is as strong? I am not talking about the width of the tape (17mm) but the thickness of the tape. I have some particularly difficult tires (Schwalbe Marathon Plus) with difficult rims (Mavic T519), and I am thinking that rim tape a little thinner than Velox might gain me a little room while mounting that second bead.

So is there anything just as strong but thinner than Velox?

Nothing that I would trust......but in a pinch electrical tape would work. I used 2 layers of it once whenit ws all I had on hand. Kept it that way for a year.

preem cycling had some 'plugs' you put into the eyelets: it's for the truely weight conscious.

Packing tape, the type with lengthwise fibers, is often recommended as rim tape. It is very strong and two layers are a good substitute for Velox.

Michelin brand tape is a heavy mylar-like plastic, and seem a little thinner than velox cloth tape, but stiff enough to bridge the rim holes and protect your tube from our spoke ends. QBP carries this. I bought some from Alfred E. Bike.

Here is a totally unique solution for the "rim tape" problem:

http://www.velocitywheels.com/accessory.htm

I am planning to try these on my next build.

Anyone had any experience with these "Veloplugs"? They look pretty cool to me.

Edit: These may be the same thing as Lala was talking about. But, if they weigh less, and don't cost any more, and don't ever rot, then what's not to like? Plus, they are reusable!

Packing tape, the type with lengthwise fibers, is often recommended as rim tape. It is very strong and two layers are a good substitute for Velox.

The downside to the packing tape is if you ever have to remove it for any reason plan to spend an afternoon with your wheel and an exacto knife.

Michelin brand tape is a heavy mylar-like plastic, and seem a little thinner than velox cloth tape, but stiff enough to bridge the rim holes and protect your tube from our spoke ends. QBP carries this. I bought some from Alfred E. Bike.

The downside to the plastic strips is that, if they don't completely cover your rim from flange to flange, they seem to migrate to the side, expose spoke holes, and cause flat tires.

I used the Michelin tape on my Mavic 717s which have Schwalbe Marathon Slicks (another difficult to mount tire) with no difficulty. The tape is wide enough that it seats without migrating.

Has anyone else tried the velocity plugs?? Input would be handyy

Stan's NoTubes provides a thin tape in their kits. I assume they sell it separately. Check the site. If it's not available separately, send an e-mail, they are very helpful.

Al

Stan's NoTubes provides a thin tape in their kits. I assume they sell it separately. Check the site. If it's not available separately, send an e-mail, they are very helpful.

Al

Another option is the Ritchey rim tapes. They are hard plastic but stretchy. You just pull them over the rim and they snap in place. They are fairly thin. And inexpensive. I've used them on my Neuvations and my Garcia wheels came with them installed. They work great.

Thanks for the great suggestions everyone!

Has anyone else tried the velocity plugs?? Input would be handyy

I have them on all my rims except the fixie currently. They work fine on most rims, but with some road rims they won't work because of the width of the rim. With a T519 they should be ok.

anyone else tried the velocity plugs?? Input would be handyy


I have them on all my rims except the fixie currently. They work fine on most rims, but with some road rims they won't work because of the width of the rim. With a T519 they should be ok.
how much are these. i saw some at the LBS (don't know if they were velocity brand) and they wanted around $20 for 36 of them.

edit: looked around and found 'em for $12 for 72 plugs. still kind of pricey.

I can't say what I get them for, and I don't know what retail is, sorry.

I like to use electrical tape. Stretch it as you go around and do maybe 4 orbits and you'll be good.

continental rim tape is thin and strong. not easy to find though.