Rim tape recommendation

Recommend me a rim tape for tubeless MTB wheels.

Preferably something reasonably easy to source. Online bike shop, lbs, industrial supply shop with reasonable shipping or Amazon.

Looking at 33-35mm tape for 30mm IW rim based on an older discord topic.

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Out of the few I’ve used Effeto Mariposa’s was the best. Very easy to apply, very strong. The yellow packing tape stuff I find isn’t easy to get right, though it works ok if you do and then stick a tube in for 24 hours to push it down and get all the air bubbles out.

Make sure you get the tape right across the width of the rim, right into the corner between the ā€œflatā€ surface and the side of the rim, but not actually on the side of the rim. That’s how I’ve always had best results.

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Straight from the source: Tesa 4289 or 3M 8992. Fairly sure the Mariposa tape mentioned above is 3M.

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I jave had good experiences with DT Swiss, albeit for Gravel / Cyclocross applications.

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Thanks for the responses. Seems like the industrial tapes in the US are 1" or 1.5" , so 25.4mm or 38.1mm.
Is it worth getting either of those widths? Or better to just such to bike brand.

I’ve both of those tapes and much prefer the 3M 8992 tape. Juat feel it is easier to get a tight consistent application easier than woth the Tesa tape.
For me the 3M also sticks nicely at the end of the wrap. I sometime find with the the Tesa tape I have to superglue the end down.

Where do you get it? Having trouble finding it in the right width

I’m in the UK and get it from Viking tapes

I recommend avoiding Muc-Off tubeless rim tape unless you don’t ever plan to change the tape after installing it. Removing the Muc-Off tape leaves behind a lot of adhesive on the rim that is very difficult to clean.

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I’d say most of them will work just fine, though some perform better than others depending on the rim type (flat vs. U-shaped surface where you apply the tape). With that said, and based on personal experience, I’d avoid Muc-Off rim type whatever is the case.

Super side bar but does anyone wonder how Muc Off stays in business? Their products seem to be universally panned. At this point they would be my lost choice for any product category.

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Another recommendation from me to avoid Muc-off tape.

I dont use it but know I’m in for a frustrating time removing the horrible residue it leaves behind on the rim when removed.

Same reason most tires are inflated to max. Most riders don’t read Internet forums or pay attention to quantitative reviews. If it ā€˜feels’ good, it is good.

But It’s to bring back fond memories of preparing your tubular rims for the next tire… You kids have it too easy these days. :joy:

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Giant tape is renowned amongst their retailers for being well-liked. It is 3M, rebranded, but I think they have a specific version they have exclisive access to because, y’know, Giant.

Second this, dt swiss tape sticks fantastically making the initial application super easy. I put a tube in like people recommend but I bet I didn’t have to because the tape sticks so well.

I’ve used 3M 8992 and the DT Swiss stuff is so much better. I have it in 27mm and 32mm for my road/gravel and MTB wheels, respectively.

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Think I’ve used that DT Swiss tape before, remember it being very similar to the tape Hunt use. I have loads of that as I’m a Hunt stockist, but I do like the 3M tape a little more as it feels a bit thicker and easier to remove and reapply if the taping has gone a bit wonky.

If you can get this in the sizes you need, it’s great.

Otherwise, we use DT Swiss tape at the shop and I’ve never had an issue with it. I give it a little stretch as I install it and make sure to push it firmly into the rim and then I use two Q tips along the sides to get it evenly adhered all the way into the curve of the side wall.

The best thing I’ve found for pushing down the edge of the rim tape is a silicone sealant/caulk spreading tool. They are nice and flexible, have a good/firm enough edge to push the tape in place, and no worry about scratching or damaging the rim bed.

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