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Already have 4 MTB's tubeless, no issues or problems at all over several years now, so I thought I'd take the plunge and see if it works on the road as well. I haven't had any punctures for several years/several thousand road miles, but was replacing the tyres anyway, and like the idea of slightly lower rolling resistance/zero punctures.
The problem I had was the 19mm Orange Seal tape I had in the garage (only had 25mm stans or Gorilla tape, could not be bothered to cut either down), didn't stick to the rims at all, just kept pulling off when I applied a little tension. The tape was quite new, and felt perfectly sticky, and the rims are not very old anyway, and were cleaned with Toluene, then wiped over with Isopropyl Alcohol and allowed to dry, so were spotless.
I persevered, and in the end did get it to stick well enough to have a go and put some tyres on, but the front wheel kept losing pressure, and it was coming through the spoke holes so I knew it was the bloody tape! I pulled it all apart again and cleaned it all up (both front and back, not taking the risk), and have now redone them with gorilla tape which sticks like the proverbial to a blanket, but it still didn't stick as well as I feel it should have. They are both up now, and held pressure overnight, so I'm happy to try it and see what happens.
My question, it seemed like the anodising on the inside of the rims (DT Swiss R511 DB) was stopping anything sticking to it. Google shows little of any use, has anyone else noticed anything like this?
Where the tape had let go inside...
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I'd be tempted to rough up the inside of the rim with some emery paper - if it's a super shiny finish, then the tape just won't bite and will never stick well. When you do this, only do the "flat bit" (where the spokes are) and not the sidewalls, or you may find you affect the sealing of the tyre.
I've had the same issue with a few rims and Stan's tape, although I typically find that with a bit of perseverance (and getting the tape really, really tight!) once it's on, it stays on.
Tubeless always seems to be about not getting the wrong combo (as experience say's most seem to work nowadays) - usually rims and tyres but I guess also tape/rim anodising as well?
Could also perhaps be down to recent hot weather if the rim tape was kept in a shed though?
I had this issue once. The problem was near where the final part of the tyre went on, the bit where you need tyre levers, which I arrange to be near the valve. Lightly greasing the bead-shelf part of the tape at that point appeared to solve it, or it may have just been second time lucky.
The last time I did road wheels I had similar issues. I used a wrap of electrical tape before the good stuff (yellow teva) which seemed to work ok.
Had that happen on a few wheels. Hasn't caused any issues at all
OK, cool. Not an unusual issue then...
I'll see how the gorilla tape fares, if I get issues I'll pull it apart (again) and give it some emery cloth loving.
Cheers all!
After taping a rim I always put in a tube overnight before setting up tubeless - I like to think it maximises adherence by pressing the tape down but have no evidence that it's true
(also, maybe a tape that rides up the wall of the rim might actually stay in place better as the bead would be pressing on it mor consistently)
Thats a very good idea scaredypants, I always give it a good hard rub down with some kitchen towel or something to push it in, I'll go with a tube in future though!
Not a fan of gorilla tape. It sticks well enough but tends to lift off when you change tyres (that's my experience anyway).
I use wire wool on the rims and make sure they are spotless. Carbon ones are especially non sticky. Best tape I used was a roll that Ben @ bird sent me. I've gone off Stan's.
Tape tends to undo from the overlapping bit. If you can be arsed, unpeel that part, wash off the old glue with white spirit and re-glue with contact adhesive. That seems to last several tyre re-fittings.
After taping a rim I always put in a tube overnight before setting up tubeless - I like to think it maximises adherence by pressing the tape down but have no evidence that it's true
Likewise... also helps the tyre to mould as well and seats on side
Not a fan of gorilla tape. It sticks well enough but tends to lift off when you change tyres (that's my experience anyway).
T-REX ....
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ferociously-Strong-Tape-48mm-10-9m/dp/B012APXT96
I tried this speculatively as Wickes were doing an offer.
It's almost like a gorilla tape with the waterproof on top....and it doesn't do the getting soggy in my experience.
Well, rode the bike in to work this morning and it all seems good, the gorilla tape has held so far!
Might have been my imagination, but it did feel a little faster as well (I know the GatorHardshells I took off are not known to be the fastest tyres), Garmin shows I was 0.6mph faster than my previous best over the ~20 mile commute, could be coincidence, but I'll take it!
Thanks all for the advice anyway, I'll definitely scuff the rim up a little before the next lot of tape!