Is rim tape required in a tubeless wheel
06-01-22, 08:38 PM
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Is rim tape required in a tubeless wheel
I am planning to install tube on a new tubeless wheel. My question is the rim doesn't have any spoke holes in it, so is a rim tape necessary? If it is, what kind of rim tape do I need? The ones for tubeless rims or regular ones would work. Unfortunately, I am not able to upload pictures yet, but FYI I have an Easton ea70 XCT 29er wheel.
06-01-22, 09:55 PM
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If there is no spoke holes. I wouldn't necessarily worry about it from a functional perspective. If there is a seam opposite the valve hole then sure a spot over the seam is definitely warranted. The seam in aluminum rims are notorious for being leaky.
In any case, as some sealants can be more corrosive than others on aluminum no matter what manufacturers claim, a good wrap with tubeless rim tape is probably just a good idea.
Regular rim tape for tubed use can be porous & can cause all sorts of problems both short & long term. Stick with the tubeless specific options.
In any case, as some sealants can be more corrosive than others on aluminum no matter what manufacturers claim, a good wrap with tubeless rim tape is probably just a good idea.
Regular rim tape for tubed use can be porous & can cause all sorts of problems both short & long term. Stick with the tubeless specific options.
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06-01-22, 10:27 PM
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I am planning to install tube on a new tubeless wheel. My question is the rim doesn't have any spoke holes in it, so is a rim tape necessary? If it is, what kind of rim tape do I need? The ones for tubeless rims or regular ones would work. Unfortunately, I am not able to upload pictures yet, but FYI I have an Easton ea70 XCT 29er wheel.
If there is no spoke holes. I wouldn't necessarily worry about it from a functional perspective. If there is a seam opposite the valve hole then sure a spot over the seam is definitely warranted. The seam in aluminum rims are notorious for being leaky.
In any case, as some sealants can be more corrosive than others on aluminum no matter what manufacturers claim, a good wrap with tubeless rim tape is probably just a good idea.
Regular rim tape for tubed use can be porous & can cause all sorts of problems both short & long term. Stick with the tubeless specific options.
In any case, as some sealants can be more corrosive than others on aluminum no matter what manufacturers claim, a good wrap with tubeless rim tape is probably just a good idea.
Regular rim tape for tubed use can be porous & can cause all sorts of problems both short & long term. Stick with the tubeless specific options.
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06-01-22, 11:37 PM
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I'm baffled. Why does he have to do anything besides make sure the rim seam is smooth? On a tubed wheel, all the rim strip does is keep the tube out of the spoke holes or off the spoke nipples. (I haven't yet run a tubeless wheel so I am waiting to see what I've missed.)
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06-02-22, 09:34 AM
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I am planning to install tube on a new tubeless wheel. My question is the rim doesn't have any spoke holes in it, so is a rim tape necessary? If it is, what kind of rim tape do I need? The ones for tubeless rims or regular ones would work. Unfortunately, I am not able to upload pictures yet, but FYI I have an Easton ea70 XCT 29er wheel.
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06-02-22, 11:36 AM
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I would assume rim tape isn't necessary on your wheel. Can't think of any reason to make a rim without drilling the spoke holes all the way through (making wheelbuilding more challenging) besides removing the need for rim tape. This way, the rim maker can control the final bead seat diameter exactly.
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06-02-22, 11:54 AM
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building without spoke holes in the inner wall is a bit more challenging but not too bad once you get the hang of it. A short piece of steel spoke t thread into the nipple and a strong magnet to guide it into place are all it takes. I have been seeing more of these lately.
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06-02-22, 08:50 PM
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Well, depends who you talk to. Some wheel manufacturers say the future is hidden nipples, which I have also been doing a lot of. That precludes a center channel with no spoke holes.
06-17-22, 09:38 AM
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"Tubeless-ready" question on similar Easton
Hello. This is my first tubeless wheelset. As I understand from the Easton instructions, the wheels should be ready to install tubeless tires with appropriate sealant. Easton EA70 AX disc wheelset, 650b.
The rear wheel of the set has bubbles in the tape on the portion of the wheel that is "overtaped" after the valve hole, as pictured. Can this be used as-is? Should I attempt to pull up the tape and re-tape this portion and smooth out the bubbles?
Should I pull this red-orange tape off entirely and start over with a new tubeless rim tape?
Bubbles under tape
Bubbles, and debris under cellophane/Scotch tape
Thanks in advance.
The rear wheel of the set has bubbles in the tape on the portion of the wheel that is "overtaped" after the valve hole, as pictured. Can this be used as-is? Should I attempt to pull up the tape and re-tape this portion and smooth out the bubbles?
Should I pull this red-orange tape off entirely and start over with a new tubeless rim tape?
Bubbles under tape
Bubbles, and debris under cellophane/Scotch tape
Thanks in advance.
06-18-22, 01:12 AM
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I am planning to install tube on a new tubeless wheel. My question is the rim doesn't have any spoke holes in it, so is a rim tape necessary? If it is, what kind of rim tape do I need? The ones for tubeless rims or regular ones would work. Unfortunately, I am not able to upload pictures yet, but FYI I have an Easton ea70 XCT 29er wheel.
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