Revolution Smmr

I'm putting rim tape on for the first time and have a couple questions. First, when selecting the width, do you go for the width of the narrowest/lowest channel in the rim (the one that is about the same size as the holes) or for the entire base of the rim? Better yet, can anyone who has installed rim tape in Mavic CXP-22s tell me what the proper size is?

I already tried putting on some Velox tape that was approximately the same size as the narrowest/lowest channel, but I couldn't even get it to stick long enough to get 1/4 of the way around the rim. I had even cleaned with rubbing alcohol first. I did notice that the tape, although sticky, did not feel like it was even nearly as adhesive as cheap household tape, but I didn't have any basis of comparison to figure out if I had a bad batch. Thanks for the help.

dobber

Basically across the flat area in the center.

Nothing says you can't use a little bit of electrical tape to get the party started. Better yet, put a wrap of electrical tape, sticky side up, down first.

tellyho

When I've used rim tape (which is, admittedly, not much), I just wrapped it around and stuck it to itself. The only area of concern would be that valve stem hole, otherwise it's keeping your tube away from the spoke ends whether it's stuck or not.

Revolution Smmr

wouldn't it matter that there is nothing adhering either tape to the rim (non-sticky side of electrical tape would be the only thing with direct contact)?

vpiuva

To keep the tape from slipping around the valve hole, I use a short section ~4" of an old tube that includes a threaded valve, and stick the valve through the new rim tape and into the valve hole, screw on the nut. The tape doesn't need to stick very much using this 'tool'.

urbanknight

That's odd, all of the Velox tape I've used before was plenty sticky. But you're right about the width of the channel. I'd buy another roll and see if you didn't get a dud the first time.

HillRider

Typically, "double wall" 700c rims, like all of the Mavics I've worked on, use 17 mm wide Velox. It covers the inner channel but doesn't interfer with the tire bead "hook" Narrower Velox (10 mm) is intended for single wall rims with a very narrow center channel and 22mm Velox is for wide MTB rims.

Psydotek

Go as wide as possible without the rim tape going up on the sidewalls.

I actually ran into the same dilema when i got new wheels earlier this year (Xero XR1). They had the same narrower channel in the middle so i started out putting the 10mm rim tape on which fit perfectly in the center channel but bearly covered the spoke holes. I rode maybe 50-60 miles without issue but it still nagged me in the back of my mind. So i picked up some 17mm rim tape (velox of course) and when i pulled the tires off to check, the 10mm tape had slipped a tad in afew places which exposed the edge of afew spoke holes. Needless to say, i put on the 17mm tape and haven't looked back.

metabike

FWIW - I have been using hardware store variety fiber strapping tape for years on my wheel builds w/o any issues. Light and cheap.

cascade168

I have used 17mm on CXP22's and CXP21's. It works fine. That being said, 11mm would probably also work just fine. All you need to do is make sure the spoke holes are adequately covered, and, you don't want your rim tape so wide that it interferes with the clincher channels.

Deanster04

Leaves a residue that is difficult to get off when you need to replace it...but it does work! Still prefer Velox tape...classy.

Nessism

I don't get it?

tellyho

If you dusted the strapping tape with baby powder before installing, you could solve some of the sticky issues. I love it - nothing galls me more than paying $7 for rim tape at the LBS. I'm such a cheap bastard.