What width should my rim tape be?
- Rim tapes have two main functions: If you ride with inner tubes, they protect them from damage caused by edges or sharp points in the rim bed, while in a tubeless setup they seal the rim bed.
- They are available as self-adhesive rim tape or as a ring for fitting.
- The correct width depends on the internal width (rim width) of your rim and the curvature of the rim bed.
Some philosophers say that the essential is invisible to the eye. Whether that generally applies, and whether it is therefore worth seeing with your heart, is probably something you could debate at length with fellow cyclists on long Zone 2 rides. But there is some truth to this lofty idea when it comes to a small, fine accessory for your bicycle. And discovering it also takes a little heart - a passion for working on bicycles.
What is rim tape?
We are talking about rim tape. In a quick street survey, you would probably meet many people who do not even know that they own something with this name. Yet without its hidden work inside the rim, they would probably find themselves riding on a (flat) inner tube quite often. Rim tape lines the rim bed and protects the inner tube from damage caused by spoke nipples, rim holes, and other sharp edges. In a tubeless setup, it also ensures that the tire remains airtight. So whether you ride a mountain bike, gravel bike, road bike, or touring bike - rim tape is always part of the setup.
Types of bicycle rim tape
You can find it in two basic types: either as self-adhesive rim tape, which is somewhat reminiscent of electrical tape, or in the classic form of a ring. The former is glued into the rim bed, which has the advantage that it cannot shift. The latter is fitted into the rim. Both types have a hole for the valve.
In addition, rim tapes have different material properties depending on their intended use. Extra high-pressure rim tapes are available for tires that are meant to be ridden at high pressure. This is because more stable hollow-section rims are generally used in these cases. These have an additional layer with holes that provide access to the spoke nipples underneath. If the rim tape is not stable enough or is made of unsuitable material, the inner tube can push it into the holes, reducing its protective effect. Since rim tape serves a different function with tubeless tires than with tires fitted with inner tubes, there are also special tapes for this purpose. So always consider how you intend to use your rims.
Fitting your rim tape correctly
The right width is important when fitting rim tape. It should cover the entire rim bed and extend beneath the tire bead. If it is too narrow, it could shift, or sharp edges could remain exposed. But it should not be too wide either, as it would then extend up the rim wall. The best approach is to use the bead seat width (or internal width) of your rim as a guide and add about two millimeters. The rim bed is slightly curved, so the required width does not exactly match the rim's internal 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:Â Â
| Rim bed | Â Rim tape width |
| strongly curved | 27 mm (= internal width + 2 mm) |
| slightly curved | 26 mm (= internal width + 1 mm) |
Sometimes manufacturers also specify the internal width for which the tape is ideal. Feel free to check whether you can find something suitable for you in our shop!