The Key To a Flawless Tubeless Tape Install
Вставка
- Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
- Avoid the bubbly mess of installing Tubeless tape with a simple trick to get it installed perfectly. In this video, I will show you how to flawlessly installed tubeless tape so you end up with a reliable tubeless setup.
Let me know what you think in the comments below & Don't forget to subscribe!!!
Visit my Website: www.jamesthebikeguy.com
---
Check it out at my favorite shop: bit.ly/3pVF6lS
---
JBG Merch and Support the Channel: teespring.com/...
The Gear I use:
-----
Accurate Escali Scale: amzn.to/2qhO6Fm
-----
Sony ZV-1 Camera: amzn.to/38QHfK3
-----
Rode Wireless Go Microphone: amzn.to/35NyazG
-----
Camera Tripod: amzn.to/2qfKdk4
-----
GoPro Hero 9 Black: amzn.to/3nUGkwm
-----
Google Pixel 4: amzn.to/2UM9kf6
-----
Lav Mic for Gopro/Phone: amzn.to/3bwiF0d
-----
Cell Phone Gimbal (Bikes Shots): amzn.to/37gU10h
SECRET TIP to Flawlessly Install Tubeless Tape AT HOME
The Key To a Perfect Tubeless Setup
The Key To a Flawless Tubeless Tape Install
DISCLAIMER: This video description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. I work within the cycling industry, and the views are not representative of the views of my employer. Jamesthebikeguy videos are produced outside of employment obligations and are made of my own volition unless otherwise stated.
You're a genius!! I have installed tubeless tires a few times but have never thought of using my bike as a wheel stand. Thanks I will give it a try next time!
Lol, glad I got your wheels turning... pun intended :-)
Another quick tip, when taping keep the roll physcially on the rim while rotating, the rim will naturally guide the roll of tape while putting tension on the rim
Good call, your totally right!
dude that's legit the best advice Ive seen
the stretch and application under max tension is the key. Nice one
Just my 2 cents here, but I try get rim tape that doesn’t cover the rim bead. When you need to change tires and use the tire lever it will sometimes peel that bit of rim tape off which will either interfere with future beading or damage the current rim tape leading to you having to re-wrap the entire rim again. Just cover the middle and let the tire sealant do the rest 👌🏻
Solid two cents. Lots of ways to do the same thing, and I am certainty not insinuating this is the only/right way. In my experience has been that getting onto the sidewall has worked better. All too often in the beginning of tubeless I would take the tire off with the tubeless tape just in the center and it would peal up while unseating the bead. Then a nightmare to get sealed again. Not to mention the rim seam on poor quality wheels that would leak too. That's when I began just running tape a bit wider and so far so good.
Ragged
I agree with you. Also with carbon rims there is no hook it's a flat bead seat. So tape on the side may interfere with proper tire seating.
Been using tubeless a long, long time and tape riding up the sides of the rim wall has always resulted in a better seal for me. The tape is much less likely to shift when you pop off the bead of an old tire.
@@byronswogger a lot of carbon rims aren't hookless.
It depends on your rim. Welded rims only need tape to cover the center and bead seat. Sleeved or pinned rims are better off with tape that comes up the sides so that the tire to sleeve interface is sealed. This is why WTB recommends tape 5mm wider than the internal width.
sounds promising. first try i did it loose and just pushed it in with my thumb after i applied. the result is that the tire loses air on the spokeholes. will try your method
I've never gone around more than once and only overlap a few inches. I would not use tape that wide, it shouldn't go up where the tire bead sits. like previous comments state, it will rip or wrinkle when levers are used to install/uninstall tires.
Thank you, i have not used tubeless tire yet but it seem like tape over the bead area could cause the tire bead to not be as secure... seems like 2 or 3 wraps of tape would multiple the problem.. but once again i have never tried tubeless
Dang you, using the tire lever. I have always used the ends of my fingers, OUCH!! Thanks, that is sweet. I also always snug it into the bottom/center of the rim. Thanks again, you saved my pinkies on my next install.
1. A rim tape 2mm wider than the internal diameter of the rim.
2. Start just beyond one spoke hole to the left of the valve hole.
3. Stretch and insert 6-8inches at a time, covering the valve hole first.
4. Finish just after one spoke hole beyond the valve hole, so the valve section is double layered.
I like to cut the start and end at 45 degrees which gives a point and helps adhesion.
Run a thumb along the channel after inserting each section while rotating the wheel with the tape still under tension to smooth out bubbles.
Once done run a cloth under pressure around the rim interior.
Nice smooth wrinkle and bubble free. Schwalbe tape for the win.
I prefer to do with the wheel on a solid surface with a towel for traction. Loose in the frame makes it harder to keep constant even tension.
Your arms should ache a bit after doing each wheel. You know you've done it right then,
Thanks for the help bro! My gravel bike wheels need new tape after over 1500 miles :D. Vid was clear, chill and to the point, def earned a subscription!
What great video and so glad I clicked on it and many thanks for your help would not have thought of mounting the rims on my bike 👍
So many experts in the comment section lol . Great video mate , I’ll be using this as a guide when my hope fortus arrive .
Clever! I like it. Another thing I did was to pop in an old tube and inflate it with the tire overnight. The pressure pressed out all the bubbles.
Inflating the tube is a good way, but doing it smooth from the get go will avoid even needing to do that. Keep in mind every time you take your tire on and off there is a risk of damaging the tape so it would be my opinion to limit the chances.
That said, if it works keep doing it!
FYI - Most recommendations from bike mechs is to start on the rim OPPOSITE to the valve hole so that your overlap at the end ISN'T covering the valve hole. That way, there is less tape to poke through and the valve stem gets a better seal.
To each their own.
Interesting on your wrap start/stop. I watched the Stan’s video earlier and they said to start opposite the valve hole and only do just over 1 full circumference (~3” overlap) so only 1 layer is over the valve hole.
For low pressure applications one layer is sufficient and my guess is that Stan's worries that installers may mess up the overlap section making sealing around the valve stem harder. Road tubeless prefers a double wrap due to higher pressures.
Best video I've seen on doing this. Cheers. 🙂👍
Awesome video. Great camera angles that let us see your technique! Thanks!
Great video. Practical advice always the best! 👍
I've used duct tape before successfully, this time I bought proper rim tape and although it goes on looking good, it seems to unstick. I cleaned the rim thoroughly twice first too.
I think with 2 layers, it makes it easier to seat wider tires. I had the hardest time with 2.6” tires on 30mm rims. In the end, I fit a tube around the tire treads. This pushed the bead against the rim bed. Then some soapy water… finally seated…
best technique ever! thanks m8
Best tape install I've seen!
Very helpful. Can you cover inserting the valve stem, adding sealant, and installing the tire as well? It'll be nice to see the whole process done properly.
I've got a video on that here: ua-cam.com/video/C8OjQKJVd5o/v-deo.html
Thanks!
you´re a legend! thanks
Fixing to do this. Thanks so much!
Thank you so much for this awesome method i did first try and it seald perfekt. How would thought such a simple method is so efektiv. Thank you🙏🙏
Thank you, James!
Good tips, will try that next time I have to re-tape. Thanks.
What about valve hole, just poke it or does it have to be cut precisely around hole?
Yeah just poke it with anything sharp like a screwdriver.
Thanks for the tips!! 🤘🏼
Actually it doesnt work on hooked rims, because you need narrower tape because the tape takes up the space and doesn't let tire to seat.
Is the tire supposed to mount on top of the tape like that? I thought you weren’t supposed to cover the rim bead
No it isn't. The tape is only there to seal the spoke access holes and so isn't required on the rim bead. Waste of tape going round twice too - no need if it's done correctly.
A very helpful and concise guide - thanks!
You're welcome!
Is it possible to fix/patch a hole in the rim tape without replacing or taping over the whole tape?
Dude! Great trick. Thanks for sharing
Sure thing!
This was really useful thankyou
Good job
not sure if it's meet but the stans tape seems to not stick very well at all. Rim is dry and wiped clean, so maybe it's still greasy somehow? Probably should spray down with alcohol and let air dry...Great technique though. I'm using this all the time now.
Thank you, excellent explanation!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great tutorial! Thanks for uploading. 💪
Double wrap...good call
How do you install rim tape in pinned joint rim? The gap between the pins is to big to neglec. Do I need to put rim tape in the walls of the rim to?
Hey did you use Elitewheels? You are happy with them do the survive in AM / Enduro conditions?
I also go 2 layers, so i begin on the other side then the hole
Excellent video!!! Very helpful!!! Thanks!!!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Awesome - thank you!
Cool. Thanks for sharing this with us
Sure thing!
great tip/video.
Thank you!
Good idea 💡
Thank you! Cheers!
i usually wipe the rim down with alcohol 1st.. guess it dont matter much on a new rim
Good tip
I use a wooden clothes pin to press the edges in. Same thing. Good job! Aloha
Nice same thing, same result
Tried doing mine but I think I’m getting a slow leak somewhere, the centre of my rim is quite hollow and the original tape fitted tightly into it, the tape I’ve done just wouldn’t go into it, does this make a difference?
Great tips!
Glad you like them!
What wheels are those they look cool
Elite Wheels Pro36. Review video will be up prob a month from now after I get miles on them.
If you have rim tape that is too narrow can you double it over lapping the tape covering the whole well of rim ? Not sure if that made sense .
yes and should
wont this cause the sealant to creep easily into the middle channel?
No that's the point of the tape all the way onto the bead channel
@@Jamesthebikeguy really? thanks alot. if you install the valve, wont the sealant go inside, since there is no seal between the tape and the valve, and the gap from not touching the center channel? i usually install the tape touching the center channel, sealing each hole individually, which is a pain in the ass to do. this method is 1000x easier.
Is there a proper direction to adhere the taper? clockwise, counterclockwise, rolling direction?
I don't think so. Once the tire is mounted and seated there should not be any rotation happening anyway.
I had to use a hairdryer to warm the tape before it would stick
great video.
Step #1: Buy a tape that you actually can stretch that easy. I bought a very tough tape the last time and it wasn't pretty. That tire lever trick is great.
how did you cut the valve hole?
How do you cut a hole out for the valve?
Use a bradawl. From the inside of the wheel put it through the valve hole and gently create a dent in the rim tape while your thumb is on the rim tape side. That gives a good starting point. Then from the rim tape side use the dent as a guide and push the bradawl through the tape. Give it a quick wiggle. Job done. Nice clean hole centred over the valve hole.
What's the best way to poke the hole for the valve? Thanks.
I use a small cross screwdriver to start the hole, then insert the valve.
Preferrably poking it with something round
Yep!
My rim tape is too narrow? Everytime i remove the tire it removes the rim tape as well.
Use a tape 2mm wider than the rim internal width. Schwalbe do an excellent rim tape in multiple widths.
What is your impression of the durability of Whiskey tape? I am looking for something that will work well for touring. Been using WTB and ST Swiss with good luck but DT is so expensive and WTB doesn't offer the ideal width I'd like to use.
Either double tape it or use gorilla tape for touring.
@@mcndjxlefnd I would never use gorilla tape. It soaks through, makes a mess, and causes corrosion. Seen it too many times
no soy ningun experto pero esa cinta es grande es ancha , yo recortaría ese sobrante ,por mi experiencia esos pliegues se doblaran
That rim design is easy. Deep valley road rims... not easy.
My $.02 you tape is way too wide and double wrapping on a low pressure application like a MTB wheel is overkill
Fair two cents. My experience doing this personally and professionally over the past decade has led me to believe this works reliably. Double wrapping "may" be overkill but who wants a flat?
Valve stem??
Double wrap is wasteful and provides no added sealing unless you need to build thickness for loose tires.
At :56.00 sec throwing the wheel down on the brake disc. Next video, true your rotors?
Dude.. you forgot to DRILL out the new valve opening size !!
No drilling required...
Next video: how to straighten your brake rotor
I could do that if you want it.
@@Jamesthebikeguy LOL only say that due to the way you threw the wheel on to the ground rotor side down
Oh, lol. Nah that's not an issue.
Why waste time and money on that tape. Just put the/a tube on and scissor round it’s outer circumference, spread it out like a kipper and mount the tyre. The valve comes supplied of course so just trim off the excess tube each side and ride - no need to reinvent the wheel!
i dont think the tape is supposed to come up the sides into the bead well...
Would anyone recommend gaffers tape instead of tubeless tape??
Only if you want sealant to soak through and corrode the spoke nipples
Next, seat a tubeless tire without using an air compressor
Haha, that happens almost every time. Check my previous videos no need to have a air compressor. Or stick around the wheels I taped I have a video coming out on and they inflated compressor free.
👍🏿
That tape looks too wide for the rim.
👌👍
🍻
The tape you had was too wide. You don't want it to come up to the side of the rim that much.
Infact I do want it to
@@Jamesthebikeguy in-fact you don't, you will need to replace it next time you use a lever to remove a tire
Use Gorrilla tape and it's not nearly that complicated .
My LBS just suggested that
There was a thread I saw somewhere years ago (this is worse than heresay!) but apparently ENVE did a test of various tapes and found gorilla tape was the best. Somewhere between big pharma, big tobacco, big oil and big-bike-rim-tape, they apparently buried the study.
I use gorilla tape because you can customize the width to any rim by simply starting a tear wherever you want (the strip gets ever-so-much smaller with each rotation of the spool of tape, so don’t start too narrow!) and it’s way cheaper than overpriced, underperforming rim tape. The other thing is that gorilla tape is very sensitive to tire levers, especially if you *mount* the tires using levers. So if you haven’t got into the habit of mounting tires by hand alone, you might tear the gorilla tape with your lever…
Ive had much better luck wity double wraps.
Another demonstration convincing that tubeless is a cult. For rational people it is not worth the hassle.
What hassle. Onetime setup and then roughly no flats until the tire is worn out. Tubeless is one of the best things to happen to bikes.
You still need rim tape for tube tires anyway.
Yah, clinchers still need rim tape and if you don't apply it right, you'll get pinch flats from your tube getting cut on the nipple holes.
Watch a few youtube videos and even a monkey can install tubeless without any problems!! 🐒👍🐒