If you’ve ever installed a new set of wheels on your bike, you’ve probably also installed some black rim tape. The process is pretty straightforward and the tape is so ubiquitous that it’s often overlooked. But if you’ve never installed tape before or are looking for an alternative, it’s worth taking the time to find the best option for your bike.
We researched dozens of different tape options and tested them on different rims to find the best for any riding style.
Here are our picks for the best bike rim tape.
Our Editor’s Best Bike Rim Tape Reviews
- Available In 8 Sizes - 12'',14",16",20",24" 26'', 27.5'', 700C. Wide=18mm
- Material - High quality environmental protection PVC
- How To Select Rim Strip Size - All bike tires marke with tire size, select the corresponding rim strip. Just consider the length of the rim, for example: Marked 700 X 23C, choose 700C rim stripe. Marked 26-1/8, choose 26''
- How To Select the Rim Strip Material - If your model is a 700C road bike, and you often ride with high tire pressure, the 700C Nylon tape is better. In other cases, soft PVC rim strip will be more suitable
- Easy to Install - This rim strip is elastic. Just hold the strip's valve hole directly over the rim valve hole,Then stretch the strip and fix the strip on the rim. If you encounter any problems in the process of use, please let us know, we will help you solve the problem
- GOING TUBELESS?: Our bike rim tape is the perfect choice if you’re looking to make the switch to tubeless bike tires. High quality rim tape is the first step in your tubeless conversion - so grab yourself a roll and let's get cracking!
- AIRTIGHT SEAL: Made with pressure-sensitive adhesive, this cycling tape provides the right amount of stretch whilst also ensuring strength and durability to create a lasting airtight seal that ensures your tubeless setup runs smoothly.
- SEMI-TRANSPARENT: The tape itself is made from a semi-transparent material so that you can still easily locate your valve hole for easy installation of our tubeless valves. It’s also in the classic Muc-Off pink, so even the inside of your rims stay looking fresh AF!
- SEAL PATCHES: The Muc-Off Tubeless Rim Tape comes with four branded seal patches. Use these as a finishing patch - pop one over the end of your tape after wrapping your rim to ensure a firm, airtight seal.
- VARIETY OF SIZES: Our ten metre Rim Tape roll comes in six different widths to suit most rims. Find the size of your wheel's internal rim width on the inside of your rim - failing that, dig out a trusty ruler. If you can't find an exact match, shoot for the next size up!
- 【Fitment】Bicycle rim liner for 16" 20" 24" 26" 27.5" 29"/700C Rim.Protect inside inner tube.
- 【Color and Size】Our bike tire liner is red. 5 Sizes Available 16inche 20inch 24inch 26inch 27.5inch 29inch/700C Width 18MM.Thickness 0.50MM.
- 【Material】Bicycle rim tape is made of high quality PVC wear-resistant anti-wrinkle lightweight.
- 【Application】Bike rim strips are installed between bicycle tube and rim, protect tub from being pierced.
- 【Package】2*Bike Tire Liners
- 2 PACK set
- Help protect from flats due to punctures
- Made of PVC environment protection material, which is innocuity and safety.
- The PVC liner provide more ductibility than normal rubber liner.
- The gas valve hole connected via hot welding technology which is more firmly than connect via glue.
- Enhanced Protection: Velox Deluxe Cotton Rim Tape prevents inner tube wear and friction for longer-lasting performance.
- High Pressure & Temperature Resistant: Built to withstand the intense heat generated from braking, maintaining tube integrity.
- Easy Installation: Adhesive backing ensures quick and secure mounting on the rim.
- Universal Compatibility: Pre-cut valve hole accommodates both Presta and Schrader valves.
- Convenient 2-Pack: Each box includes two rolls of 22mm x 2m rim tape, perfect for multiple uses or spares.
- Creates durable, airtight seal over spoke holes
- Completely non-porous vapor barrier seals rim interior from moisture
- Natural gum rubber adhesive sticks where and when you want it to but leaves no residue
- Low friction surface helps tire beads slip into place
- High-Strength Cotton: Made from durable cotton material to provide excellent protection against wear and friction.
- Heat and Pressure Resistant: Designed to withstand high pressure and temperatures, especially during intense braking.
- Easy Installation: Adhesive backing ensures easy mounting and secure placement on the rim.
- Versatile Compatibility: Pre-cut hole accommodates both Presta and Schrader valves for versatile use.
- 2-Pack Convenience: Comes in a 2-pack box with each roll measuring 19mm x 2m, perfect for multiple wheelsets.
- Deluxe Cotton Construction: Provides superior protection against inner tube wear and friction.
- High-Pressure Resistant: Designed to withstand high pressures and elevated temperatures when braking.
- Adhesive Backing: Ensures easy mounting and a secure fit, preventing movement during use.
- Pre-Cut Valve Hole: Compatible with Presta and Schrader valves, making installation simple.
- 2-Pack Box: Includes two 16mm x 2m rolls, ideal for readying multiple wheels or keeping a spare on hand.
- PERFECT FIT: Our TCS tubeless rim tape ensures a reliable and airtight seal, preventing leaks and optimizing tubeless tire performance for mountain bikes. WTB recommends using tape that is 5mm wider than the inner rim width, which is measured as the distance between the inside edges of the bead hooks of a rim.
- DURABLE, STRETCHABLE MATERIAL FOR EASY APPLICATION: Made from strong yet flexible materials, this tubeless rim tape stretches smoothly for quick installation, providing long-lasting performance on mountain bike rims.
- QUICK AND HASSLE-FREE TUBELESS SETUP: Designed for easy installation, this tubeless rim tape ensures a secure, airtight fit, allowing you to set up your tubeless tires without hassle, so you can focus on the ride ahead.
- COST-EFFECTIVE ROLL FOR MULTIPLE WHEEL SETUPS: Each 11-meter roll provides enough tape to seal up to five wheels, making it a perfect choice for cyclists with multiple setups or bike shops servicing various tubeless wheels.
- COMPATIBLE WITH WTB TUBELESS AND OTHER RIMS: This tubeless rim tape is optimized for WTB TCS rims but works just as effectively with other tubeless-ready rims, ensuring maximum versatility.
Best Bike Rim Tape Buying Guide
Before choosing the best bike rim tape you should consider following options:
1. Rim Size: Most bike rims are available in various sizes, ranging from 17 to 29 inches. The standard size of bike rims is 700c.
The size of your rims is determined by the size of your tires.
If you have wider rims, you have more space to mount wider tires. This results in better control and comfort while riding on the road. The best road bikes have wide rims.
Tubeless tires are also becoming more popular. This means that the tires are held together by an inner tube that is surrounded by a latex layer.
This makes them more resistant to punctures and the latex layer helps them maintain shape even after riding for long distances.
2. Rim Depth: Rim depth is another important factor to consider when picking a new set of rims.
Rims can vary in depth from shallow to deep. Shallow rims are usually found on entry-level road bikes while deep rims are usually found on touring and mountain bikes.
The depth of the rims determines how much air the tire can hold. The higher the tire pressure, the faster and more efficiently you can ride on the road.
However, it also means that you might feel a harsher ride especially on rough road surfaces.
3. Rim Width: Like rim depth, rim width can vary from narrow to wide. Road bikes usually come with wider rims, but you can also find narrow rims on hybrid bikes and touring bikes.
Wide rims help improve the overall strength of the wheel and make it easier to control the bike. However, wider rims are heavier and make the bike more difficult to move.
Narrow rims are lighter, but they also make it harder to control the bike. They are usually cheaper and allow you to change tires more easily.
4. Rim Materials: Bike rims are usually made of aluminum, steel, or carbon fiber. Aluminum rims are usually cheaper but they are heavier and vibrate more than steel or carbon fiber rims.
Steel rims are cheaper, but they are also heavier and prone to rust. Carbon fiber rims are lighter and more expensive than steel and aluminum rims.
Carbon fiber rims are also prone to breakage, especially when not cared for properly.
Steel rims are cheaper and robust, but they are heavier. Aluminum rims are lighter and more affordable, but they are also prone to vibrations.
Carbon fiber rims are the lightest and most expensive option. However, they are also prone to breakage. Pick the type of rim that is suitable for your use and the type of roads you are likely to ride on.
5. Rim Design: Bike rims can be either aero or classic. Aero rims are mostly found on road bikes.
They are designed to help reduce air resistance. This makes riding faster, easier, and more efficient.
Classic rims are usually found on touring, hybrid, and mountain bikes. They are usually simple and robust.
6. Rim Width and Depth: This is a very important factor to consider when picking a new set of rims.
You need to ensure that the overall width and depth of the rims is suitable for your type of bike and the kind of environment you are likely to ride on.
You can find more information on the type of rims available in various sizes and their suitability for your use by checking online reviews.
What else you should know about bike rim tape
1. What is bike rim tape?
Bike rim tape is a material, usually cloth or rubber, that is wrapped around the outside edge of a bicycle wheel’s rim. Its purpose is to protect the wheel from flat tires and from punctures by objects that might be caught in the spokes.
2. What are the benefits of using bike rim tape?
Bike rim tape provides a barrier between the tube and the spoke heads, which can prevent punctures. It can also make the wheel more durable and prevent the spokes from coming loose.
3. How do you properly apply bike rim tape?
Cut a strip of rim tape slightly longer than the circumference of the wheel. Peel off the adhesive backing and apply the rim tape evenly around the inside of the wheel, making sure that the tape covers the entire spoke bed.
4. How often should you replace bike rim tape?
Most bike rim tapes will last for several years. However, if you frequently ride in wet or muddy conditions, you may need to replace your rim tape more often.
5. What are some common problems associated with bike rim tape?
Bike rim tape can cause problems with spoke tension, wheel balance, and tire seating.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best bike rim tape. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best bike rim tape will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.