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*#@%&%* Rim Tape!

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*#@%&%* Rim Tape!

Old 04-23-01, 10:53 AM
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TriBob
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Well my second day commuting did not go very well. I drove to the park and did my quick change and jumped on the bike and *pop* went the back tire. Luckily I was ten feet from the car. Forget 50/50 odds it is always the back tire. After inspection it was revealed the rim tape had a whole. Since I don't carry rim tape and did not want to mess with a temporary fix unless it was an emergancy, I had to throw the bike back in the car and finish my commute by car.

The tape is less then 2 years old. Should I replace it every year to be safe?

I should be back on the bike by Wednesday.
 
Old 04-23-01, 11:54 PM
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Your rim tape had a whole what? [ha, ha]

When I bought my hybrid bike in 1992, I replace the rim tapes with poly-somethings I bought from Nashbar. I have not replaced them since. I inspect them at least once a year for tears and nicks.
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Old 04-24-01, 05:39 AM
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Velox cloth rim tape is the one to use.
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Old 04-24-01, 06:29 AM
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Cloth Tape is pretty good, but at the moment I'm using a plastic tape on my Cross and MTB's...

I went through a lightweight stage of using insulation tape....which never seemed to cause me troubles...

Good luck!!!

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Old 04-24-01, 10:15 AM
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Was the hole a puncture/tear or a worn spot? I suspect that worn spots in rim tape are caused by underinflation that allows the tube to squish around too much. Check your tire pressure often. I check mine before every ride, ie every morning, and each tire always needs a couple of pumps to top off. A good floor pump with a built in guage makes this quick and easy.
Actually, my experience has been that the flat ratio is more like 80/20 rear/front, maybe even 90/10. If you are going to commute by bike, you are going to have flats. Make sure to carry a spare tube (easier to change tubes on the spot then patch it later at home), tire levers, and a frame pump or CO2 inflator. With practice (I have had quite a bit lately) you can change tubes in about 10 minutes and be on your way.
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Old 04-24-01, 10:27 AM
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Another friend of mine recommended Velox too. I'll see what the store has tonight. I had tubes and pump with me; but, I don't carry around rim tape.

Thanks,

I'll be back... on the road soon.
 
Old 04-25-01, 12:14 AM
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Even if you don't carry rim tape, (and who would?) you can get tire boots, which while normally are for the other side of the tube would probably work in a pinch to cover the hole in the rim tape. Park makes them.
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Old 04-25-01, 05:39 AM
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Thanks for all of the suggestions. I got Michelin plastic tape. It is supposed to be better for higher pressure tires. It is a single loop and you have to pry it on. I also got some Velox tape to carry withme. Once burned, twice shy.

I did notice some of holes were becoming bubbled last time I changed the tube but did not think much of it at the time. I always pump up the tires before each ride. Road tires seem to lose more pressure at the high end pretty quick.

I commuted again today and will change the rim tape on the front tire this week.
 

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