Just so you guys know..
02-05-10, 01:56 PM
#1
Antarctica awaits
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Tucson, Zona
Posts: 1,965
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Just so you guys know..
I have been using ELECTRICAL TAPE instead of RIM TAPE for about a month now and it has worked without fail.
I use 2-3 layers and that holds up fine in excess of 100 psi.
NOTE: This is on Weinmann DP18s, a semi-deep section rim. So the ends of the spokes don't poke out at all.
I use 2-3 layers and that holds up fine in excess of 100 psi.
NOTE: This is on Weinmann DP18s, a semi-deep section rim. So the ends of the spokes don't poke out at all.
02-05-10, 02:10 PM
#3
chickenosaurus
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 1,189
Bikes: 2010 Motobecane Team Track, 1997 GT Edge, 2012 Kilo TT Stripper
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
electrical tape _will_ work, but not recommended. it can stretch, slip, and leave adhesive behind.
02-05-10, 02:11 PM
#4
K2ProFlex baby!
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: My response would have been something along the lines of: "Does your bike have computer controlled suspension? Then shut your piehole, this baby is from the future!"
Posts: 6,133
Bikes: to many to list
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 16 Post(s)
Liked 56 Times
in
31 Posts
been doing this for about......25 years? and I agree, never ever had a problem, well no stretching or slipping, although it will leave adhesive behind, but only after a loooooong while, my 1938 Cleveland Welding Co. bike had electric tape on the wheels, it left behind adhesive but it cleaned right off with Acetone.
__________________
You see, their morals, their code...it's a bad joke, dropped at the first sign of trouble. They're only as good as the world allows them to be. I'll show you. When the chips are down, these...These "civilized" people...they'll eat each other. See, I'm not a monster. I'm just ahead of the curve
You see, their morals, their code...it's a bad joke, dropped at the first sign of trouble. They're only as good as the world allows them to be. I'll show you. When the chips are down, these...These "civilized" people...they'll eat each other. See, I'm not a monster. I'm just ahead of the curve
Last edited by ilikebikes; 02-05-10 at 02:14 PM.
02-05-10, 02:15 PM
#5
extra bitter
About a month without failure doesn't exactly sound like thorough testing. I'll stay with rim tape.
edit: Didn't refresh before posting. ilikebikes'e experience is a better vote of confidence. But still, considering the way electrical tape gums up, I think I can afford the tiny expense associated with rim tape.
edit: Didn't refresh before posting. ilikebikes'e experience is a better vote of confidence. But still, considering the way electrical tape gums up, I think I can afford the tiny expense associated with rim tape.
02-05-10, 02:17 PM
#6
K2ProFlex baby!
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: My response would have been something along the lines of: "Does your bike have computer controlled suspension? Then shut your piehole, this baby is from the future!"
Posts: 6,133
Bikes: to many to list
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 16 Post(s)
Liked 56 Times
in
31 Posts
how's 'bout 25 years? and hows three years straight without failure sound?
__________________
You see, their morals, their code...it's a bad joke, dropped at the first sign of trouble. They're only as good as the world allows them to be. I'll show you. When the chips are down, these...These "civilized" people...they'll eat each other. See, I'm not a monster. I'm just ahead of the curve
You see, their morals, their code...it's a bad joke, dropped at the first sign of trouble. They're only as good as the world allows them to be. I'll show you. When the chips are down, these...These "civilized" people...they'll eat each other. See, I'm not a monster. I'm just ahead of the curve
Last edited by ilikebikes; 02-05-10 at 02:22 PM.
02-05-10, 02:17 PM
#7
Antarctica awaits
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Tucson, Zona
Posts: 1,965
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I know it's been used a long time. But when I was researching it everyone said to not use it for high pressure tires, so I just wanted to say it works fine for me.
02-05-10, 02:20 PM
#8
K2ProFlex baby!
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: My response would have been something along the lines of: "Does your bike have computer controlled suspension? Then shut your piehole, this baby is from the future!"
Posts: 6,133
Bikes: to many to list
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 16 Post(s)
Liked 56 Times
in
31 Posts
I'm with you. ^^^^
__________________
You see, their morals, their code...it's a bad joke, dropped at the first sign of trouble. They're only as good as the world allows them to be. I'll show you. When the chips are down, these...These "civilized" people...they'll eat each other. See, I'm not a monster. I'm just ahead of the curve
You see, their morals, their code...it's a bad joke, dropped at the first sign of trouble. They're only as good as the world allows them to be. I'll show you. When the chips are down, these...These "civilized" people...they'll eat each other. See, I'm not a monster. I'm just ahead of the curve
02-05-10, 02:54 PM
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Down South
Posts: 1,267
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
I've used electrical tape on a number of wheels.
Never had a problem.
Glue behind? I have no idea ... haven't had to remove the tape (or any other rim tape, for that matter).
Never had a problem.
Glue behind? I have no idea ... haven't had to remove the tape (or any other rim tape, for that matter).
02-05-10, 03:34 PM
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Bay Area, Calif.
Posts: 7,239
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 659 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
6 Posts
I've also been using it ever since I built my first wheels for the then new narrow (and high pressure) clincher rims (Rigida 13-19 red labels) back around 1975. The rear wheel from back then is still in good shape and still has the original electrical tape in it after 35 years. Maybe there would be some glue residue, but I don't see that as a big issue - why would I ever need to replace the tape; and if I did I'd just put another layer of tape over the old glue. Usually the rim tape doesn't get touched until the rim wears out due to brake wear. At that point I remove the tape so I can move the spokes over to a replacement rim. If there's some glue residue I don't care since I'm throwing the old rim out anyway.
02-05-10, 04:18 PM
#13
Retro-Direct Fan
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Boulder, Colorado
Posts: 159
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Well, I've replaced the electrical tape someone used on the bike they sold my neighbor that led to multiple flats in the first ride. I accept that others experience is different, and maybe you use more or have some better technique than the guy that built her bike, but what's the theoretical advantage here? Save a whole dollar?
02-05-10, 08:40 PM
#14
Senior Member
I've been using electrical tape on several rims. I just ran out of velox one day and used electrical tape. It's been in two of my rims now for years. I run between 115 and 125 psi in those tires with no problems. I still prefer velox, but won't hesitate to use electrical if that's all I have on hand.
02-05-10, 09:56 PM
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Posts: 1,616
Bikes: 1990 Waterford Paramount, 1986 Pinarello Pista 195? Raleigh 3sp, 2001 Surly 1x1, 2014 Canfield N9, 2015 Canfield Balance, 2013 Rocky Mtn Flatline, 2012 Intense SS2, 2014 Transition Klunker, + more!
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I use Velox if im at the shop and its at my disposal but otherwise, I have a roll of strapping tape in my tool box at home. Iv used it in quite a few rims with out an issue. I ran it in some Deep V's with 145psi at one point and never flatted with it. I was running Schwalbe Ultremo's in case anyone is wondering.
02-06-10, 01:42 AM
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 658
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Given that rim strips are about a buck per, I'm not sure saving a few cents is really worth it.
02-06-10, 02:25 AM
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Bay Area, Calif.
Posts: 7,239
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 659 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
6 Posts
Two advantages:
1) I almost always have electrical tape available whereas I'd have to go out and get some rim tape;
2) it's a little thinner than Velox tape which leads to easier tire changing (the bead of the tire can go down in the channel of the rim a little deeper thus allowing a little more slack in the last section that you're trying to get over the rim's edge).
1) I almost always have electrical tape available whereas I'd have to go out and get some rim tape;
2) it's a little thinner than Velox tape which leads to easier tire changing (the bead of the tire can go down in the channel of the rim a little deeper thus allowing a little more slack in the last section that you're trying to get over the rim's edge).
02-06-10, 09:56 AM
#19
Senior Member
Two advantages:
1) I almost always have electrical tape available whereas I'd have to go out and get some rim tape;
2) it's a little thinner than Velox tape which leads to easier tire changing (the bead of the tire can go down in the channel of the rim a little deeper thus allowing a little more slack in the last section that you're trying to get over the rim's edge).
1) I almost always have electrical tape available whereas I'd have to go out and get some rim tape;
2) it's a little thinner than Velox tape which leads to easier tire changing (the bead of the tire can go down in the channel of the rim a little deeper thus allowing a little more slack in the last section that you're trying to get over the rim's edge).
02-06-10, 10:21 AM
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Bay Area, Calif.
Posts: 7,239
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 659 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
6 Posts
Its not worth it....just because someone reports that it hasn't failed, doesn't mean that its not more likely to fail than rim tape. Stick with rim tape (or veloplugs). Its cheap and designed specifically for the job. If its so inconvenient for you to buy rim tape, then buy a few spare rolls on your next visit/mailorder. Id rather do that than have to carry around spare electrical tape in case my electrical tape hack job fails.
02-06-10, 01:31 PM
#22
Old fart
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Appleton WI
Posts: 24,784
Bikes: Several, mostly not name brands.
Mentioned: 153 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3587 Post(s)
Liked 3,400 Times
in
1,934 Posts
Fiber reinforced strapping tape is a reasonable substitute if you don't want to use actual rim tape.
02-06-10, 03:01 PM
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Posts: 1,616
Bikes: 1990 Waterford Paramount, 1986 Pinarello Pista 195? Raleigh 3sp, 2001 Surly 1x1, 2014 Canfield N9, 2015 Canfield Balance, 2013 Rocky Mtn Flatline, 2012 Intense SS2, 2014 Transition Klunker, + more!
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Two advantages:
1) I almost always have electrical tape available whereas I'd have to go out and get some rim tape;
2) it's a little thinner than Velox tape which leads to easier tire changing (the bead of the tire can go down in the channel of the rim a little deeper thus allowing a little more slack in the last section that you're trying to get over the rim's edge).
1) I almost always have electrical tape available whereas I'd have to go out and get some rim tape;
2) it's a little thinner than Velox tape which leads to easier tire changing (the bead of the tire can go down in the channel of the rim a little deeper thus allowing a little more slack in the last section that you're trying to get over the rim's edge).
02-08-10, 10:12 AM
#24
Retro-Direct Fan
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Boulder, Colorado
Posts: 159
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Two advantages:
1) I almost always have electrical tape available whereas I'd have to go out and get some rim tape;
2) it's a little thinner than Velox tape which leads to easier tire changing (the bead of the tire can go down in the channel of the rim a little deeper thus allowing a little more slack in the last section that you're trying to get over the rim's edge).
1) I almost always have electrical tape available whereas I'd have to go out and get some rim tape;
2) it's a little thinner than Velox tape which leads to easier tire changing (the bead of the tire can go down in the channel of the rim a little deeper thus allowing a little more slack in the last section that you're trying to get over the rim's edge).
As for 2), a lot of purpose-designed rim tape is a lot thinner than Velox too. But you'd have to get it, which brings us back to 1).
02-08-10, 10:18 AM
#25
Senior Member
Did rim tape suddenly become prohibitively expensive in your area or somethign?
I bought 2 rolls for a new wheelset the other day and it was $4 plus tax. I realize that if you need it in a pinch, electrical tape is fine but, at $4, you can probably afford to buy back-ups....
I bought 2 rolls for a new wheelset the other day and it was $4 plus tax. I realize that if you need it in a pinch, electrical tape is fine but, at $4, you can probably afford to buy back-ups....