Last updated on August 27th, 2023 at 04:21 am
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If you’re a serious cyclist, you know that switching to a tubeless tire setup can provide numerous benefits, including better traction, lower rolling resistance, and fewer punctures.
But to convert your wheels to tubeless, you need the right equipment, including the best tubeless rim tape.
Tubeless rim tape is a thin strip of material that goes inside the rim, covering up those spoke holes and making a totally airtight seal.
That seal is super important for making sure your tubeless tire works the way it’s supposed to – it keeps the air from escaping and keeps your tire pumped up
After researching and testing various options, we have compiled a list of the top tubeless rim tapes on the market. And in this article, I am going to lay it out for you!
5 Of The Best Tubeless Rim Tapes
Here are 5 of the best tubeless rim tapes we recommend:
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Muc-Off Tubeless Rim Tape, 25mm
If you’re looking for a reliable and durable tubeless rim tape, look no further than the Muc-Off Tubeless Rim Tape.
We found the Muc-Off Tubeless Rim Tape easy to apply and provides a reliable and long-lasting airtight seal.
The semi-transparent material made it easy to locate the valve hole, and the tape’s pressure-sensitive adhesive ensured a tight seal.
We appreciate the included seal patches, which helped ensure a firm seal.
However, we did find that the residue left behind by the tape was difficult to remove, and some users have reported not having enough tape to cover their rims with one go-around.
Additionally, the tape may not be suitable for wider rims.
Overall, we recommend the Muc-Off Tubeless Rim Tape for anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-use tubeless rim tape.
| Pros | Cons |
| Strong, durable, and long-lasting airtight seal | Residue can be tough to remove. |
| tape comes with four branded seal patches for a firm | Not enough tape to cover their rims with one go-around |
| easy to locate your valve hole | Not suitable for wider rims |
DT Swiss Tape DT Tubeless Roll Rim 25mm/10m
We recently tried the DT Swiss Tape DT Tubeless Roll Rim on our bikes and we were impressed with how easy it was to install.
The tape conforms well to the rim bed and stays in place.It also comes with a generous amount of tape in one roll, which is enough for two wheels.
One thing to note is that it is not suitable for wider rims, so make sure to check the width of your rims before purchasing. Plus, it may not be as sticky as other brands of tubeless rim tape, so it may require a bit more effort to get it to stay in place.
Overall, we highly recommend the DT Swiss Tape DT Tubeless Roll Rim 25mm/10m for its ease of use and reliability.
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to handle and install | Expensive compared to other brands |
| Manufactured in Switzerland and has a good reputation | Not suitable for wider rims |
| Good track record of not failing | It may not be as sticky as other brands |
Stan’s NoTubes Rim Tape for Rim Interior – 10 Yards 25 MM
We’ve used this tape on several rims with an internal width of 19-21mm, and it has never failed us. The tape creates a strong and long-lasting seal, preventing air from escaping and ensuring a smooth ride.
Also Read: Installing Thumb Shifters On Drop Bars
The non-porous and low-friction surface also makes it easier to install the tires, and the natural gum rubber material ensures that there’s no mess or residue left behind.
While the price may be a bit higher than other brands, we believe that the quality and reliability of this tape are worth the investment.
However, we do recommend checking the width of your rims and purchasing the appropriate size to avoid any fitting issues.
| Pros | Cons |
| Durable, airtight seal | Expensive |
| Non-porous and low-friction tape keeps moisture out and helps tire beads slip into place | May require two layers for certain rim widths |
| Made with natural gum rubber, this tape leaves no residue and stays attached without a mess | Some reported difficulty with fitting the tape |
milKit Tubeless Rim Tape
The milKit Tubeless Rim Tape is a reliable, strong and one of the best tubeless rim tapes.
The adhesive is extra strong, which ensures that the tape stays in place and prevents air leakage.
The tape is available in four different widths, which makes it easy to find the perfect fit for your rim. Plus, the tape is easy to mount, thanks to its optimum mix of strength and flexibility.
However, we did find that the tape is a bit thicker compared to other brands, which may cause some difficulties during installation.
If you are looking for a tubeless rim tape that can withstand rough terrain and provide a tight fit, then the milKit Tubeless Rim Tape is the perfect choice for you.
| Pros | Cons |
| Extra strong adhesive ensures a tight fit on the rim | Thicker compared to other brands |
| Available in four popular widths, covering most rim sizes. | First length of tape may not adhere to the rim properly |
| Optimum mix of strength and flexibility makes it easy to mount |
WTB TCS Tubeless Rim Tape
The WTB TCS Tubeless Rim Tape is easy to install and seals well. It comes in various widths, which makes it easy to find the perfect fit for different rims.
This 11-meter roll provides enough tape for multiple wheels, which is great value for money.
However, we did find that it required multiple layers to achieve a secure seal, which can be time-consuming.
Additionally, some users reported difficulty in removing the tape residue, which can be a hassle. While the tape is durable, it is a bit stiff and brittle compared to other brands.
| Pros | Cons |
| Airtight seal between the rim and tire | May require multiple layers to seal |
| One roll has enough tape for five wheels | Difficult to remove the tape residue |
| Available in various widths to fit all rims | A bit stiff and brittle compared to others |
Tubeless Rim Tape Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best tubeless rim tape for your bike, there are a few factors to consider.
That’s why we’ve put together a buying guide to help you make an informed decision:
Also Read: Cracked head tube
Types of Tape
There are two main types of tubeless rim tape – adhesive-backed and non-adhesive.
Adhesive-backed tape is easy to install and stays in place, but it can be difficult to remove. Non-adhesive tape is easier to remove and can be reused, but it may not stay in place as well as adhesive-backed tape.
Width
The width of the tape should match the width of your rim bed. If the tape is too narrow, it may not cover the entire rim bed, which can lead to leaks.
If the tape is too wide, it can be difficult to install and may add unnecessary weight to your bike.
Material
Tubeless rim tape is typically made from either nylon or polyester. Nylon tape is more durable and can withstand higher pressures, but it can be more difficult to install.
Polyester tape is easier to install, but it may not be as durable as nylon tape.
Thickness
The thickness of the tape can also affect its durability and performance.
Thicker tape is more durable and can provide better protection against punctures, but it can also be heavier and more difficult to install.
Thinner tape is lighter and easier to install, but it may not provide as much protection.
Compatibility
Make sure the tape you choose is compatible with your rim and tire. Some tapes may not work well with certain rims or tires, which can lead to leaks or other issues.
Price
Tubeless rim tape can range in price from a few dollars to over $20 per roll.
While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option, keep in mind that higher-priced tapes may be more durable and provide better performance.
Bottom Line
That’s our top 5 tubeless rim tapes! The Muc-Off and DT Swiss tape are our favorites, while the other three are pretty good too.
Before you buy, consider the type, width, material, thickness, compatibility, and price. By taking these factors into account, you can find the best tubeless tape for your bike and enjoy a smoother ride.
