On a spoked wheel with an inner tube, the spoke nipple ends sit in holes in the rim well. The rim tape (rim strip) is a rubber or cloth band that covers these holes so the tube cannot rub on the nipples or on a sharp spoke end. Some off-road wheels also have a rim lock: a clamp bolted through the rim that grips the tyre bead.
What it does
- Rim tape protects the tube from the nipple heads and spoke ends.
- A rim lock stops the tyre turning on the rim at low pressure, which would tear the valve out of the tube.
Signs it is worn or failing
- Repeated punctures on the inside of the tube, in a row of small holes facing the rim: see Puncture in a tyre with a tube and New tube goes flat soon after fitting.
- Tape cracked, hard, moved to one side, or missing over some holes.
- Valve stem leaning at an angle: the tyre has moved on the rim.
When to replace it
Check it every time the tyre is off. Replace tape that is cracked, hard, torn or slipping. A spoke end that sticks out above its nipple must be ground flush first, or it will cut through the new tape too.
What to match when buying
- Width to suit the rim well (rim size is on the rim or in the manual).
- A rubber strip should fit snugly; a loose one moves and uncovers holes.
- If no strip is available, a few wraps of strong tape over the nipples is a temporary fix.
- A rim lock must match the rim width and the valve hole spacing.
Fitting notes
- Centre the tape over the nipple holes all the way round, with the valve hole lined up.
- With a rim lock, fit the tyre bead around the lock first and keep the lock nut loose until the tyre is inflated and seated, then tighten.
- Fitting the tyre without pinching the tube: Replace a tyre and Seat a tyre bead on the rim.