The DIY Rim Tape Thread
 

So I was thinking about using duck tape today just to save a couple bucks. I figured electrical tape might work a little better though. Have any of you guys used this method or one similar on a daily basis? Figured I would do it on my new junker before I put some tubes on it.

:notamused::twitchy::thumb:

Electrical tape will do in a pinch but I would use several layers if you have to. Rim tape is so cheap, why bother?

Why bother?

Electrical tape will work fine for MTB-style tire pressures, but even then you need to put 2-3 layers in if you have a double-wall rim. Higher pressures(narrow tires) tends to rupture or push the tape aside over the spoke nipple holes, leading to flats.
It you happen to have any packing tape(the semi-transparent kind with visible fibreglass reinforcement), that one will hold up even to road-style tire pressures.

It's a decent fix if you haven't got any rim tape at home and is eager to get the bike done, but in terms of economy it's fairly pointless.

I've used electrical tape in a pinch, but not to save money. I was installing a new tire, and discovered there was no rim strip, and I didn't want to make a 40 mile rd. trip to the LBS just for a rim strip. I wrapped it about 3-4 times, and then cut a hole for the valve. Works fine.

Yeah, I had to get a wheel on the road "that night" one time, and ended up running fiberglass packing tape for about a year before it started cracking with age. Pull it really tight.

Rim strip is cheap and after blowing a tube or two, I think you will discover a piece of rim tape would have been better, especially when it lasts for years and years. I've done electrical tape, packing tape, duct tape, fabric athletic tape, and my favorite, plastic hockey tape (like thick clear electrical tape). None work as well as rim strip which I now just keep around to avoid having to use the others in a pinch.

I buy it on sale for $2 and keep a couple of rolls around. For $2 it's not worth using anything else then taking the time to cut it to that narrow size.

Additionally, the adhesive on most of the packing tapes I've run across dries out and makes a horrible mess to clean up. I also know someone who did Alaska to Argentina who used packing tape. They had flats because of the fiber glass sneaking out from under the backing.

Rim tape can be applied, removed and reapplied for years without ending up with a gooey mess like duct and electrical tape or crusty dried on adhesive like packing tape. So to echo the rest of the chamber...Why bother?

Another vote for why? from another who has tried it.

Electrical can work but as stated you'll need 2-3 layers. It can affect how the tire mounts so you may need to trim it to fit the rim. It also moves and really does make a gooey mess over time in the rim.

Packing tape can work but as stated will dry over time. The tape can also degrade leaving behind strings of material that won't come off very easily and leave a mess. Cyccommutes story of fiberglass sneaking out and causing flats is another reason not to.

You'll save ~$4 and lose about 1-2 hours of maintenance, cleanup not to mention increased chance of stranding. Your time is worth more than that.

What's your address I'll send you 2 rolls :) of cloth rim tape

Also to take into account if it hasn't been mentioned is the cost of the tubes and patch kits you will go through due to this.

I've apparently been in a pinch a a lot more times then you guys, and this is coming from a guy that has a wheel of velox on tap. Sometimes you have to use alternatives.