To be honest with you, I can't say that I have ever had a problem with rim straps vs. rim tape, but it could just be a QA/QC issue. Since you brought it up though, the #1 thing I recommend to do with a new bike unless you are 100% sure of who assembled & prepped your new ride, is to go over ever it with a fine tooth comb, checking fasteners, brake pad alignment, bearing play, etc. (Some shops bring to mind the motorcycle seizure repair story told in Robert Pirsig's in ZAMM).