Started the process of installing new gravel tires on new wheels. Internal rim width is 23. I got tape that is 25mm and double taped. Put the tire on and inflated. Got a few pops and the tire seems to be setting up properly. But I could hear a visible hissing sounds. Used soapy water and found air coming out where the spokes attach to the rim. I've no ordered 28mm tape because I'm assuming the 25mm isn't wide enough. So I have two questions. One, am I on the right path with how I'm going to fix this leak? Two, is this kind of leak normal and would it just get sealed with sealant or is that not a good option? I've attached a picture of the installed tape, sorry didn't make any videos of the leak. Thanks.
by hashpot666
10 Comments
Sounds like you are on the right track. Rim tape does look a touch small. Sometimes sealant will seal it up. But if air is leaking from the spoke nipples that usually means the tape job is not quite right.
EDIT: Might also try and make sure the valve is seated and sealed proper.
Tape 2mm wider than ID of rim should fix it.
You need wider tape. I did a conversion myself a while back, my tape was wider than that and it still leaked out. I taped it right to the edge of the rim and it worked
All nips are right and right yeah? Otherwise I’d squish my tape onto rim and chuck in heaps and heaps of sealant
That’s not a TL rim to my eye
I have had good luck by taping and installing the tube and tire. Airing up and having the tube seat the tape fully. Then pop one bead, leave the other bead seated and pull the tube, install the valve stem and fill with sealant.
I’m also part of the add a tube and inflate the tire to max contingent for getting the tape set. It can be done without but it adds maybe an extra 5 minutes to the job and sees to it the tape is really seated along the edges. After that it is a matter of getting the stem fully seated. I’d try that before retaping the rim.
I learned the hard way that you want to double wrap your tape and that you want it ideally 1-2mm wider than the inner diameter. Symptoms of the tape failing are air coming out the spoke nipples, recurring leaks along the bead, and sometimes air coming through the drain hole.
Your valve is probably leaking where it goes through the tape. Try tightening it a bit more. Once air gets under the tape it has an easy path out the spoke holes.
I would buy wider tape and try again