The Key To a Flawless Tubeless Tape Install

[@aLboOGieZ]

Another quick tip, when taping keep the roll physcially on the rim while rotating, the rim will naturally guide the roll of tape while putting tension on the rim

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Good call, your totally right!

[@RDB2020]

dude that's legit the best advice Ive seen

[@kasu1033]

You're a genius!! I have installed tubeless tires a few times but have never thought of using my bike as a wheel stand. Thanks I will give it a try next time!

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Lol, glad I got your wheels turning... pun intended :-)

[@ragged9242]

Just my 2 cents here, but I try get rim tape that doesn’t cover the rim bead. When you need to change tires and use the tire lever it will sometimes peel that bit of rim tape off which will either interfere with future beading or damage the current rim tape leading to you having to re-wrap the entire rim again. Just cover the middle and let the tire sealant do the rest 👌🏻

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Solid two cents. Lots of ways to do the same thing, and I am certainty not insinuating this is the only/right way. In my experience has been that getting onto the sidewall has worked better. All too often in the beginning of tubeless I would take the tire off with the tubeless tape just in the center and it would peal up while unseating the bead. Then a nightmare to get sealed again. Not to mention the rim seam on poor quality wheels that would leak too. That's when I began just running tape a bit wider and so far so good.

[@byronswogger]

Ragged I agree with you. Also with carbon rims there is no hook it's a flat bead seat. So tape on the side may interfere with proper tire seating.

[@kidsafe]

Been using tubeless a long, long time and tape riding up the sides of the rim wall has always resulted in a better seal for me. The tape is much less likely to shift when you pop off the bead of an old tire.

[@veganpotterthevegan]

@@byronswogger a lot of carbon rims aren't hookless.

[@michaelviglianco6121]

It depends on your rim. Welded rims only need tape to cover the center and bead seat. Sleeved or pinned rims are better off with tape that comes up the sides so that the tire to sleeve interface is sealed. This is why WTB recommends tape 5mm wider than the internal width.

[@jamesmoore513]

the stretch and application under max tension is the key. Nice one

[@jeremyking6146]

I've never gone around more than once and only overlap a few inches. I would not use tape that wide, it shouldn't go up where the tire bead sits. like previous comments state, it will rip or wrinkle when levers are used to install/uninstall tires.

[@markhoffmann5941]

Thank you, i have not used tubeless tire yet but it seem like tape over the bead area could cause the tire bead to not be as secure... seems like 2 or 3 wraps of tape would multiple the problem.. but once again i have never tried tubeless

[@BloodyClash]

sounds promising. first try i did it loose and just pushed it in with my thumb after i applied. the result is that the tire loses air on the spokeholes. will try your method

[@gwynnlyell2539]

Dang you, using the tire lever. I have always used the ends of my fingers, OUCH!! Thanks, that is sweet. I also always snug it into the bottom/center of the rim. Thanks again, you saved my pinkies on my next install.

[@zombierider2794]

Thanks for the help bro! My gravel bike wheels need new tape after over 1500 miles :D. Vid was clear, chill and to the point, def earned a subscription!

[@kevinclark9176]

Interesting on your wrap start/stop. I watched the Stan’s video earlier and they said to start opposite the valve hole and only do just over 1 full circumference (~3” overlap) so only 1 layer is over the valve hole.

[@labpartnerlp]

For low pressure applications one layer is sufficient and my guess is that Stan's worries that installers may mess up the overlap section making sealing around the valve stem harder. Road tubeless prefers a double wrap due to higher pressures.

[@peterawesomeness1]

Awesome video. Great camera angles that let us see your technique! Thanks!

[@mattwilliams4749]

Fixing to do this. Thanks so much!

[@ptptride7480]

best technique ever! thanks m8

[@IainNesbitt]

Great video. Practical advice always the best! 👍

[@yoondaman316]

Thank you, James!

[@jfoster91784]

Best tape install I've seen!

[@nd9329]

Thanks for the tips!! 🤘🏼

[@dan10663]

So many experts in the comment section lol . Great video mate , I’ll be using this as a guide when my hope fortus arrive .

[@ChrisSmith-bi8hs]

Best video I've seen on doing this. Cheers. 🙂👍

[@georgehsu1085]

Clever! I like it. Another thing I did was to pop in an old tube and inflate it with the tire overnight. The pressure pressed out all the bubbles.

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Inflating the tube is a good way, but doing it smooth from the get go will avoid even needing to do that. Keep in mind every time you take your tire on and off there is a risk of damaging the tape so it would be my opinion to limit the chances. That said, if it works keep doing it!

[@EcclestoN00]

This was really useful thankyou

[@michaeltowler2632]

I've used duct tape before successfully, this time I bought proper rim tape and although it goes on looking good, it seems to unstick. I cleaned the rim thoroughly twice first too.

[@luckybluebelle]

Good job

[@northkyt]

Good tips, will try that next time I have to re-tape. Thanks.

[@klyyoung2728]

Very helpful. Can you cover inserting the valve stem, adding sealant, and installing the tire as well? It'll be nice to see the whole process done properly.

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

I've got a video on that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWmym4SBf7uXa9E Thanks!

[@riffmeisterkl]

I think with 2 layers, it makes it easier to seat wider tires. I had the hardest time with 2.6” tires on 30mm rims. In the end, I fit a tube around the tire treads. This pushed the bead against the rim bed. Then some soapy water… finally seated…

[@thenicsExercise]

Thank you, excellent explanation!

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@fuori_piste]

Dude! Great trick. Thanks for sharing

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Sure thing!

[@AllanPhillips]

A very helpful and concise guide - thanks!

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

You're welcome!

[@jamesbrittain9564]

Awesome - thank you!

[@Drogos79]

What about valve hole, just poke it or does it have to be cut precisely around hole?

[@1kgStuntTeam]

Yeah just poke it with anything sharp like a screwdriver.

[@danielpajkic9798]

Thank you so much for this awesome method i did first try and it seald perfekt. How would thought such a simple method is so efektiv. Thank you🙏🙏

[@harrygrimley4352]

Cool. Thanks for sharing this with us

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Sure thing!

[@Baldysyoutubechannel]

Thank you!

[@1kgStuntTeam]

Great tutorial! Thanks for uploading. 💪

[@eugenebrandon3914]

great tip/video.

[@CHAT316]

Excellent video!!! Very helpful!!! Thanks!!!!

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@yeboscrebo4451]

Is the tire supposed to mount on top of the tape like that? I thought you weren’t supposed to cover the rim bead

[@45graham45]

No it isn't. The tape is only there to seal the spoke access holes and so isn't required on the rim bead. Waste of tape going round twice too - no need if it's done correctly.

[@andersnyberg4034]

Actually it doesnt work on hooked rims, because you need narrower tape because the tape takes up the space and doesn't let tire to seat.

[@peterbedford2610]

Double wrap...good call

[@mikea327]

Good idea 💡

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@corvus400]

Great tips!

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Glad you like them!

[@nigelbradley613]

Is it possible to fix/patch a hole in the rim tape without replacing or taping over the whole tape?

[@nowisthetime12]

great video.

[@S.C.A.M.B.E.R.]

How do you install rim tape in pinned joint rim? The gap between the pins is to big to neglec. Do I need to put rim tape in the walls of the rim to?

[@jameswilson2815]

I use a wooden clothes pin to press the edges in. Same thing. Good job! Aloha

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Nice same thing, same result

[@Urbione]

Hey did you use Elitewheels? You are happy with them do the survive in AM / Enduro conditions?

[@signgod]

i usually wipe the rim down with alcohol 1st.. guess it dont matter much on a new rim

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Good tip

[@joseph-the-seventh]

How do you cut a hole out for the valve?

[@TJ-ot3vl]

What wheels are those they look cool

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Elite Wheels Pro36. Review video will be up prob a month from now after I get miles on them.

[@IsaacGonzalez-et2bq]

not sure if it's meet but the stans tape seems to not stick very well at all. Rim is dry and wiped clean, so maybe it's still greasy somehow? Probably should spray down with alcohol and let air dry...Great technique though. I'm using this all the time now.

[@jeffjacksonmtb]

What's the best way to poke the hole for the valve? Thanks.

[@wendellclark7]

I use a small cross screwdriver to start the hole, then insert the valve.

[@komoonkh]

Preferrably poking it with something round

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Yep!

[@joebidenshearingaid1618]

If you have rim tape that is too narrow can you double it over lapping the tape covering the whole well of rim ? Not sure if that made sense .

[@driftadvocate1839]

yes and should

[@robertmrivera]

Is there a proper direction to adhere the taper? clockwise, counterclockwise, rolling direction?

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

I don't think so. Once the tire is mounted and seated there should not be any rotation happening anyway.

[@drinkycrow2623]

how did you cut the valve hole?

[@AncientGreek]

My rim tape is too narrow? Everytime i remove the tire it removes the rim tape as well.

[@killgates9890]

I also go 2 layers, so i begin on the other side then the hole

[@molley17]

Tried doing mine but I think I’m getting a slow leak somewhere, the centre of my rim is quite hollow and the original tape fitted tightly into it, the tape I’ve done just wouldn’t go into it, does this make a difference?

[@DIYManiacJohnP]

My $.02 you tape is way too wide and double wrapping on a low pressure application like a MTB wheel is overkill

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Fair two cents. My experience doing this personally and professionally over the past decade has led me to believe this works reliably. Double wrapping "may" be overkill but who wants a flat?

[@rodwilson391]

I had to use a hairdryer to warm the tape before it would stick

[@michaelviglianco6121]

What is your impression of the durability of Whiskey tape? I am looking for something that will work well for touring. Been using WTB and ST Swiss with good luck but DT is so expensive and WTB doesn't offer the ideal width I'd like to use.

[@mcndjxlefnd]

Either double tape it or use gorilla tape for touring.

[@michaelviglianco6121]

@@mcndjxlefnd I would never use gorilla tape. It soaks through, makes a mess, and causes corrosion. Seen it too many times

[@davidparkhurst9715]

Valve stem??

[@spaceshipearth356]

Step #1: Buy a tape that you actually can stretch that easy. I bought a very tough tape the last time and it wasn't pretty. That tire lever trick is great.

[@therealSIRBOOM]

That rim design is easy. Deep valley road rims... not easy.

[@KH-fx3ok]

Double wrap is wasteful and provides no added sealing unless you need to build thickness for loose tires.

[@rafa6311]

no soy ningun experto pero esa cinta es grande es ancha , yo recortaría ese sobrante ,por mi experiencia esos pliegues se doblaran

[@JoeMcIntyre-oj2sd]

At :56.00 sec throwing the wheel down on the brake disc. Next video, true your rotors?

[@milanstanimirovic1371]

Would anyone recommend gaffers tape instead of tubeless tape??

[@michaelviglianco6121]

Only if you want sealant to soak through and corrode the spoke nipples

[@Kathikas1]

Why waste time and money on that tape. Just put the/a tube on and scissor round it’s outer circumference, spread it out like a kipper and mount the tyre. The valve comes supplied of course so just trim off the excess tube each side and ride - no need to reinvent the wheel!

[@31acruz]

Dude.. you forgot to DRILL out the new valve opening size !!

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

No drilling required...

[@jamesmedeiros2784]

Next video: how to straighten your brake rotor

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

I could do that if you want it.

[@jamesmedeiros2784]

@@Jamesthebikeguy LOL only say that due to the way you threw the wheel on to the ground rotor side down

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Oh, lol. Nah that's not an issue.

[@canadalife3983]

i dont think the tape is supposed to come up the sides into the bead well...

[@lastpme]

👍🏿

[@Sam-fb8fy]

👌👍

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

🍻

[@kjm-ch7jc]

That tape looks too wide for the rim.

[@PJSinohin]

Next, seat a tubeless tire without using an air compressor

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Haha, that happens almost every time. Check my previous videos no need to have a air compressor. Or stick around the wheels I taped I have a video coming out on and they inflated compressor free.

[@sandykavor8434]

The tape you had was too wide. You don't want it to come up to the side of the rim that much.

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Infact I do want it to

[@Juan_More_Mile]

@@Jamesthebikeguy in-fact you don't, you will need to replace it next time you use a lever to remove a tire

[@michaelviglianco6121]

Ive had much better luck wity double wraps.

[@kevinadams1049]

Use Gorrilla tape and it's not nearly that complicated .

[@dkoenig24]

My LBS just suggested that

[@shelbyhaque1980]

There was a thread I saw somewhere years ago (this is worse than heresay!) but apparently ENVE did a test of various tapes and found gorilla tape was the best. Somewhere between big pharma, big tobacco, big oil and big-bike-rim-tape, they apparently buried the study. I use gorilla tape because you can customize the width to any rim by simply starting a tear wherever you want (the strip gets ever-so-much smaller with each rotation of the spool of tape, so don’t start too narrow!) and it’s way cheaper than overpriced, underperforming rim tape. The other thing is that gorilla tape is very sensitive to tire levers, especially if you *mount* the tires using levers. So if you haven’t got into the habit of mounting tires by hand alone, you might tear the gorilla tape with your lever…

[@rosomak8244]

Another demonstration convincing that tubeless is a cult. For rational people it is not worth the hassle.

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

What hassle. Onetime setup and then roughly no flats until the tire is worn out. Tubeless is one of the best things to happen to bikes.

[@brainblasta2]

You still need rim tape for tube tires anyway.

[@blaw7717]

Yah, clinchers still need rim tape and if you don't apply it right, you'll get pinch flats from your tube getting cut on the nipple holes. Watch a few youtube videos and even a monkey can install tubeless without any problems!! 🐒👍🐒