Rim Tape width
 

How do I know what size rim tape I need? Just got a new set of wheels ordered but I need to install rim tape.

I attached the specs of the rim. I was going to order Velox rim tape but didn't realize I have 10,13,16,19,22mm width to chose from.

I am sure this is probably a dumb question but I have never in my life installed it.....just one of those things I have never needed to do.

FWIW its a 700c wheel by H plus sons

thanks
thanks.https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c102914b26.png

I've only ever bought 16mm for my Mavic SUP and similar wheels. Ditto Zonda 15s. I think that would work for your rim. Is probably a similar inside width.

Tubeless is an art and a science. The main purpose of tubeless rim tape is to seal the spoke holes in the rim to keep the air and sealant in. Beyond this, some rim/tire combinations benefit from running tape that is wide enough to run up onto the ramped section shown in your diagram. This sometimes helps seal and seat the bead to the rim for certain tire/rim combos.

What tire and model of H Son rim are you using? Someone here might have specific experience.

assumed tubeless - not.

Someone mentioned tubeless.... you weren't asking about rim tape for a tubeless build were you?

Just in case you aren't talking tubeless, 11 mm is my go to. I just want to cover the spokes. Anything that laps over to the bead seat area for the tire just seems to be potential for making it harder to change tire and seat it properly.

Ideally the tape would cover the entire base of the rim without going up the side walls. If it too narrow it can squirm to one side and expose the spoke holes; too wide and it will interfere with tire mounting and bead seating. Perhaps you could cut a piece of paper to size and measure it to help you decide.
I have standardized on Continental Easy Tape. It is thin so interferes less with tire mounting than Velox tape and they make numerous widths. If you like to run REALLY high pressure they even have a series of high-pressure tapes which will take 220psi. https://blobs.continental-tires.com/...ip-en-data.pdf

That looks to be an archetype rim..I have them and recognize the pic from their site; they have an internal width of 17.5mm and are not designed for tubeless. 16mm or 17mm velox tape works.

Sorry I should have been more specific. yes they are the archetype rims and hard no on tubeless.
@DOS thanks for that spec. I can get 16mm so that is a winner. I have Velox on my other wheels even though I didn't install any of it and never had an issue so going to use the same stuff.

Thanks!!

I agree w/what dsbrantjr said and I’ve also standardized on a thin tape but it’s made by Zipp. It’s got a few widths to choose from, is not expensive and is very tight so it stays in place.

The Schwalbe blue tape is next level from Velox. Super strong and doesn't absorb water. Only thing is getting the valve hole in it as it's so tough. Helps if you can pre punch it.

fwiw - the last tape I bought for my road bike was 16mm

Enough to cover the spoke head holes in the rim, without interfering with the tire installation.

Thanks....heading to the shop this morning to get a roll. If 16 does end up to be too wide I can return it no issues.

They only carry 16 and 10 on hand for some reason.

I sort of accidentally bought 13mm once...kept getting flats. 16mm all the way for me with road rims.

For installation, locate the hole in the tape over the valve hole in the rim and unwind...straight... If there's excess length, you can trim back but leave a little overlap. In 20 years, the tape will shrink, or such is my experience. Of course, it also dries out and loses its stick.

16mm