TXCiclista

Replacing a spoke today and I’m faced with either poking a hole in the manufacturer’s (good quality) rim tape, or (I assume) taking it all off. As I recall, regardless of the option I choose, when I’m done it’s vital to make sure the holes in the rim are covered to keep the tube from trying to fill the holes and deforming/puncturing. My question is whether I’m remembering correctly that it’s fine to go ahead and just poke a hole and then cover it back up with duct tape. I don’t have rim tape handy and would prefer not to head to the LBS since I need to get this done, true the wheel, replace the cassette and then get out and ride before sunset. On the flip side, if I’m courting disaster, I’d rather know and do it right.

himespau 

I personally wouldn't try the poking a hole and covering it with duct tape because, before I knew better, I had a torn rubber-band style rim tape that I tried to hold together with duct tape, and, when that didn't work, I tried to put in place and cover with a couple of wraps of duct tape. And then just tried replacing it with duct tape. A few tubes (and the better part of a roll of duct tape) later, I just dropped the couple bucks on a new rim strip. That's just my experience, many years ago, and with a hybrid bike. You might have better luck.

popeye

Yes but you can probably get a tire lever under the tape and work it off.

Jon T

I've never had to touch the tape to replace a spoke. The nipple-yes, the spoke-no. If the new spoke is the same length as the old one, you shouldn't even have to take the wheel off the bike to replace it.
Jon

ridingfool

How do u remove the cassette or freewheel if it is a driveside broken spoke without taking the wheel off

TXCiclista

Sorry for leaving out some of the detail. The spoke broke off in the nipple, just below the threads, leaving the threaded part in the nipple. I’m the end, I just cut a whole in the rim tape, replaced spoke and nipple, then put some medical tape (seems a bit tougher than duct tape) over the hole with about 1” overlap on each side to be sure it’s not pressed down into the rim. If i run into issues, I’ll report back. Otherwise, all is well (and I’ve got a nice, clean cassette to boot!).

79pmooney

If your rim/tire is tubed, not tubeless, you may be able to peel the rim strip back from its end (usually near the valve hole, replace the spoke and nipple, then press it back down. If not (and again, your rim/tire is tubed, not tubeless), go out and buy the good Velox rim tape appropriate for your rim width. That stuff, stuck on a clean rim will last years and allow you several spoke replacements.

Tubeless rims and tires are a different game I haven't gotten into yet so no advice there.

Ben

popeye

Rim plugs are also an option.

noodle soup

Rim tape is cheap, so just replace it. Why risk having to deal with a flat(caused by rim tape failure) while out on a ride?