Bought some of this to tubeless some wheels for a build and whatever I do I'm not able to get stuck in place without masses of air bubbles.
It's as if it isn't sticky enough so when I start off and try and maintain tension in the tape by stretching it starts slipping and rotating around the wheel! Even flipped the wheel over at one point and it just fell off!
Admittedly this is my first tubeless setup, but all the videos I've watched online have resulted in nice tight, smooth application, but mine are all horrible and crinkly.
FWIW rims are new and cleaned/dried pre installation so no contamination.
I used it fine recentley, you just have to hold it in place while you stretch it round. Not as sticky as some but it does work.
With other less sticky tape, I have pre-warmed the tape and the rim to get it to stick well. In colder months that has been by leaving them on the radiator. But leaving them in the sun should work.
Make sure the rim is really clean, dry and grease free inside and as already said make sure the wheel and tape are warm.
I never have any issues with it. Sit with the wheel between your legs and tape it towards yourself.
Hold the tape to make sure the first bit sticks then the key is keeping loads of tension on the tape as you pull it.
If your getting air bubbles it sounds like you aren’t putting enough tension on the tape and only apply about 6” on each pull of the tape.
As I apply each section, I also put my thumb over the tape to stick it down.
At the end, work any air bubbles to the spoke holes and run over the tape with a cloth.
Room temperature wheel and tape helps but if applied properly isn’t necessary.
Been said already. I struggled with a rim I'd previously taped without problem. Took a time to work out it was too cold to apply. So brought it inside and applied heat via a hair dryer and went on first time.
The air bubble problems you mentioned are the same I had until I warmed both the rim and the tape.
Cheers for the advice folks.
Tried fitting yesterday afternoon, admittedly in the garage, but it wasn't exactly cold!
Tempted to just sack it off and use Gorilla Tape. Not sure you can get it in 32mm flavour though.
I’d say persevere with it. IME gorilla tape is sh**e and messy and it will take forever to get off your rims after. Maybe just use a tiny bit to help the end of your proper tape stick..
I just used a roll of Schwalbe tape to do my lads tubeless wheels. Went on like a dream; but as above - stretch 6" out and then work it onto the bed before you move on to the next bit.
Cheers for the advice folks.
Tried fitting yesterday afternoon, admittedly in the garage, but it wasn’t exactly cold!
Tempted to just sack it off and use Gorilla Tape. Not sure you can get it in 32mm flavour though.
When mine wouldn't stick, and as a temp solution before I worked out heat was my answer I wrapped the rims in electricians tape. One wrap left side, one right and one down the middle. The tape stuck to that no problem.
People swear by Gorilla Tape. I've used it. It's easy to apply but I found it turned to mush and started leaking. It's also a bugger to get off the rims cleanly so would recommend a run of electrician tape also if this is the line of your attack.
Anyway, good luck dude.