Rim tape alternative

[breakwellmz]

Anyone use these?

http://www.fixedgeargallery.com/reviews ... veloplugs/

[Eammno]

When I first saw these I wondered if the hole sizes in different rims are consistant enough to allow this one-size-fits-all type plug?

[djoptix]

I use electrical tape

[Vantage]

I use electrical tape

I was doing this also until it was pointed out to me (thanks meic) that the high pressures in inner tubes can force pits in the tape over the spoke holes and if high enough, can rip the tape. Sure enough, I checked my diy job and the tape was indeed starting to wear away and my tubes rarely exceed 50-60psi.
Bought this stuff the same day...http://www.wiggle.co.uk/continental-rim-tape-black/
Electrical tape is a good emergency option, but better safe than sorry and use proper tape

[Brucey]

I found some different tape that is some kind of harder (but thin) plastic. Two turns of that plus a turn of insulating tape has meant that I've not bought a new rim tape for years. Takes 120psi, no worries.

I've also experimented with PE sheeting (builder's plastic) . That works too, on MTB rims. Again a layer of electrical tape over the top to be sure.

The idea that the rim tape ever has to come off is (unless you are using aluminium nipples or something) a red herring IMHO; brass nipples very rarely fail and spokes can be replaced without disturbing the nipple in the rim.

cheers

[yostumpy]

I use electrical tape

Ditto, have done for years, and ne'er a problem, 3 -4 winds usually does the job. Oh ! but what colour?

[LollyKat]

The green and yellow striped one - makes you go faster!

[meic]

I found some different tape that is some kind of harder (but thin) plastic. Two turns of that plus a turn of insulating tape has meant that I've not bought a new rim tape for years. Takes 120psi, no worries.

I've also experimented with PE sheeting (builder's plastic) . That works too, on MTB rims. Again a layer of electrical tape over the top to be sure.

The idea that the rim tape ever has to come off is (unless you are using aluminium nipples or something) a red herring IMHO; brass nipples very rarely fail and spokes can be replaced without disturbing the nipple in the rim.

cheers

Sometimes the spokes fail at the nipple, normally after trying to adjust them when they are seized so the nipple has to be replaced as well as the spoke. I have had quite a few of these.

I have changed over from the old cloth Velox tapes to the new reinforced plastic tapes which are easily reusable.

[Redvee]

I use the nylon bands I cut off the pallets of bananas in work.

[TonyR]

At €20 for 72 I'll stick with my Velox. If you're a weight weenie though you can check rim compatibility here

[Brucey]

Sometimes the spokes fail at the nipple, normally after trying to adjust them when they are seized so the nipple has to be replaced as well as the spoke. I have had quite a few of these....

I normally treat my spoke nipples during build so that they will not seize. Failing that, they can be discouraged from seizing by dint of the occasional drop of oil, and/or sealing the nipple throat with waxoyl.

If, when adjusting untreated spokes, the nipple won't turn easily, I find a little heat and oil, (then repeat as necessary) will give a brass nipple every chance of freeing off. I use a micro-blowtorch for this purpose, and the heat doesn't damage the rim tape in the slightest on a double-walled rim.

cheers

[simonineaston]

Yes.
Next question?

[breakwellmz]

Someone does then!

I`m glad you asked that,what do you think then?

[Mick F]

At €20 for 72 I'll stick with my Velox.

Not cheap, but they'll last for as many rims as you can get through. I use normal rim tape - Vittoria? - but it is pain to remove and I've split one or two over the years getting them off.

I repaired a mate's MTB a couple of months ago and I needed to re-true the wheels. Because the nipples were Japanese and my Spokey didn't fit, I changed all the nipples from my extensive collection! The rim tape had to be cut to get it off due to the depth profile of the rims, and I repaired it with PVC tape. Had these little red thingies been fitted, it would have been better.

When I replace my present rims - maybe a few years yet - I am sorely tempted to use them.

Does anyone have a UK link/supplier for them?

[simonineaston]

I have the yellow ones on a set of Sun CR18 rims. They are a fiddle to pop on (there's 60 of the beggars on the wheels I mention), but they have helped with one particular issue, which is that Schwalbe Marathon tyres are a Very Tight Fit onto these rims and the Veloplugs seem to help - they are chamfered round their perimeter so there may be just a little more room in the well of the rim for the tyre bead to sit, in order to aid the fitting.
In the past I've sometimes have trouble getting the inner tube valve to pass readily through the hole in rim tapes. The Veloplugs get round that issue, too. I think they are pricey for what you get, but they're easy to use and providing you buy the right size, they fit well and are a neat addition to a pair of special wheels.
...and to answer your question, I contacted the makers and bought the Veloplugs from them.
http://veloplug.com/en