Why won't my rim tape stay centered?
 

Last year I laced Champion double-butted spokes to WTB ChrisCross rims. I was a bit skeptical about my purchase at first because the rims are described as hybrids; they can used with tubes or without. But they were light and stiff and I liked the way they looked. I chose to use tubes and it's resulted in numerous flats - likely due to the rim tape moving and exposing the seated nips to the inflated tube (see image). At least that's my thinking given where the tubes punctures are.

As you can see from the photo, the rim itself features a deep groove into which the rim tape fits. Yet somehow the tape manages to shift, causing punctures. FWIW, I'm running Panaracer Messengers (28s). And I don't always use a 28 tube; sometimes I use a 23/25. Any suggestions on getting the rim tape to stay put are most appreciated.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=491281

wide rim strips which take up most of that inner rim width? Or even wider Velox tape, what size is the tape in the picture?

I suspect that your rim tape isn't moving by itself. Like most inanimate things it prefers to stay put until moved.

Most likely you're moving the tape when you push the tire across while mounting the second side.

Maybe, you can completely remove the tape, use acetone (not nail polish remover) to clean the rim's belly to clean, dry bare metal. Then apply a new rim strip, tensioning it as you apply it, then burnish it down so it sticks well and stays put. Or you can try your luck with one of those stretchy rim bands, or filament tape. Both have the advantage of a more slippery surface so will be less likely to get pushed over when you mount a tire.

Tubeless rims have a bead shelf that is a tight fit with the tire bead and that deep channel is so the tire bead can go down into it to allow the tire to be mounted. When you inflate the tire, the bead slides up the side of the channel until it pops up on the bead shelf. That cloth tape has enough friction that the bead is probably dragging the tape with it as it goes up onto the bead shelf. I suggest getting some Stans tubeless rim tape and putting two rounds of it on the rim. It has a slippery surface and the tire bead will slide right over it.

If that growler jug in the background is empty...maybe the tape never went on centered. Just sayin'...


Dan

+ 1. Beer explains a lot of mechanical issues.

I have had good results with Continental Easy Tape. They have a standard (120psi)and a high-pressure (220psi!) version. I have only used the standard type and have been very satisfied. It is thin and slick which helps when mounting tight tires. Never had it move around.

Others have recommended filament-reinforced packing tape; I haven't used it so cannot comment.

IME, a common problem...

that velox tape is not the stickiest stuff in the world. reapplying it a time or two doesn't help matters either. and a tire that is difficult to mount can cause it to shift. anyway, i've used Johnson&Johnson (any drugstore) adhesive tape (two wraps) in the past, and it has held up well. cleaning the rim before applying any rim tape doesn't hurt either, IME. good luck.

Use the correct width velox rim tape and the correct sized tube, start there. And proper tire pressure.

Im liking fused loop plastic rim strips now, myself .. but sticky back (new) Velox should stay put .

your technique may be wanting.. I cant watch how tightly stretched you applied it.

The tire bead seat with the tape over it must have been a PItA to put the tire on..



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The growler IS empty and, sadly, has been for quite some time. My fridge upstairs, however, is another story. I'm still blaming the tape!

I have the same problem with dual purpose, (tubeless and non-tubeless) rims also. My solution is to carefully trim the Velox tape with a utility knife to the desired width. As stated above, Velox is not that sticky so I make it stickier with a thin coating of contact cement applied to the rim. This seems to work but these type rims are a PITA. Next t him I need rims, they will be standard ones.

Good advice already. I also rub some baby powder on the tube it reduces friction as tube seats in the tire.