Replacing tire and inner tubes and I noticed this gap inside the rim. Still okay to use? Can it be patched or something?
by henhinhandon
Replacing tire and inner tubes and I noticed this gap inside the rim. Still okay to use? Can it be patched or something?
by henhinhandon
10 Comments
I would replace the rim strip/tape
Looks like it’s not in there straight. First straighten it up so it’s central all the way around and, if there’s still space ideally you would replace it but as long as the spokes are all fully covered it *should* be okay to use because the inflated tube *should* hold it in place. Rim tape is cheap so I’d only do the latter if the bike’s needed in the time it takes to get delivered/find at a shop.
Reapply or replace rim strip. You just really don’t want any metal edges (like spoke holes) near that tube. With the wheel apart like that I’ll run my finger along the rim to make sure there’s no debris or burrs on the rim .
The rim strip needs to completely cover the spoke holes. If the strip no longer fits tightly, replace it with a product that has an adhesive backing, such as Velox brand. If it remains loose, it can shift even after the tire is inflated and cause a flat. Tubes that get damaged like that are nearly irreparable.
Agree with what everyone else said, replace the rim tape and be sure to fully cover the spoke holes
This is likely a rim strip, which is not glued in place. I would recommend just manipulating it to the center position, which enables it to cover the edge of the hole.
Replace with Velox and never have to worry about this again. Be aware it comes in different widths so buy the right size for your rims.
Rim strips sometimes do this. Slide it back over to cover the gap and see if it stays in place. If they’ve been out of place for a while, they stretch and set in that position and will be arsey about remaining where they’re meant to be. I’ve ran wheels in this condition for over a year without issue, but honestly rim strips are so cheap it’s best just to replace them.
I would replace the strip with rim tape. I’ve had too many punctures caused by rim strips doing this.
You will have never ending flat tires until you replace the rim tape. Velox or Stan’s
Electrical tape gets gooey