What width should my rim tape be?
- Rim tape primarily has two functions: If you're riding with tubes, it protects them from damage caused by edges or sharp points in the rim bed, while it seals the rim bed in a tubeless setup.
- It is available as self-adhesive rim tape or as a ring to be stretched into place.
- The correct width depends on the internal width (jaw width) of your rim and the curvature of the rim bed.
The essential is invisible to the eye, some philosophers say. Whether this generally applies and whether it is therefore worthwhile to see with the heart, can probably best be debated with fellow cyclists on long Zone 2 rides. However, there is certainly something to this bold thesis for a small, fine accessory on your bike. And a little heart, a heart for tinkering with bikes, is also part of discovering it.
What is rim tape?
We are talking about rim tape. In a snap survey on the street, you would probably encounter many people who don't even know that they own such a thing. Yet, without its hidden work inside the rim, they would probably often be riding on a (flat) tube. This is because rim tape lines the rim bed and protects the tube from damage caused by spoke nipples, rim holes, and other sharp edges. In a tubeless setup, it also has the task of ensuring the tire's airtightness. So, whether it's a mountain bike, gravel bike, road bike, or touring bike – rim tape is always part of the package.
Types of bicycle rim tape
You can find it in two different basic types: Either as self-adhesive rim tape, which is a bit like electrical tape, or in the classic design as a ring. The former is glued into the rim bed, which has the advantage that it cannot slip. The latter is stretched into the rim. Both types have a hole for the valve.
Furthermore, rim tapes have different material properties depending on their application. For tires that are to be ridden with high pressure, there are extra high-pressure rim tapes. This is because more stable double-wall rims are usually used here. These have an additional base, which is provided with holes to access the spoke nipples underneath. If the rim tape is not stable enough or is made of unsuitable material, it can be pressed into the holes by the tube, and the protective effect decreases. Since rim tape has a different function for tubeless tires than for tires ridden with tubes, there are also special tapes for this. So always pay attention to the intended use you have in mind for your rims.
The correct fit of your rim tape
The correct width is important when installing rim tape. It should cover the entire rim bed and reach under the bead of the tire. If it is too narrow, it could slip or sharp edges would remain exposed. But it should also not be too wide, because then it would protrude over the rim wall. It is best to orient yourself by the jaw width (or internal width) of your rim and add about two millimeters. This is because the rim bed is slightly curved, so the required width does not exactly correspond to the rim's jaw width. Depending on how pronounced the curvature is, you may need to add a little more or a little less.
Example for a rim with an internal width of 25 millimeters:
| Rim bed | Rim tape width |
| distinctly curved | 27 mm (= internal width + 2 mm) |
| flatly curved | 26 mm (= internal width + 1 mm) |
Sometimes, however, manufacturers also specify for which internal width the tape is ideal. Feel free to check if you find something suitable for you in our shop!