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Tape & Valve Support

Tape & Valve Support

Tape and Tubeless Conversion Videos

These videos cover the use of Stan's tape and the methods and best practices for tubeless conversion.

Tape

What width Yellow Tape should I use?

The widths of Yellow Tape we offer are based on the profiles of our rims and the recommendation for our rims and wheels can be found in the specifications on every product page . If you are using our tape in a different tubeless-ready rim, the tape should go from sidewall to sidewall (ie: not just over the spoke holes). We recommend tape that is 1-2mm wider than the internal width of your rim to account for the drop channel.

Can I convert my non-tubeless mountain bike rim to tubeless with tape and valve only?

No. "Tape and Valve" conversions are only appropriate with rims that are labelled as "Tubeless Ready," "Tubeless Compatible," or similar. The BST (Bead Socket Technology) profile developed by Stan's NoTubes was a departure from traditional bicycle rim design and its core concept is the basis for the vast majority of "tubeless-ready" rims and wheels on the market today. Stan's Yellow Rim Tape is not, by itself, a tubeless conversion for older, traditional, non-"tubeless-ready" rims. These older rims require the use of a Stan’s NoTubes Rim Strip (now discontinued) to re-shape the rim bed to achieve a safe, secure tubeless setup. While we would recommend considering a new tubeless-ready wheelset in place of a rim strip conversion, Stan's Rim Strips and kits may still be available at your local bike shop and can be used to convert vintage bikes with older, non-tubeless-ready rims. Using only Yellow Tape and Stan’s Sealant on a non-tubeless-ready rim can result in not only difficult inflation during set-up, but catastrophic "burping" issues while riding. While Stan's Rim Strips have been discontinued, we continue to provide information and resources to assist in converting non-tubeless-ready wheels.

How do I install the tape?

Tape should be applied smoothly and evenly in the rim bed from sidewall to sidewall, without air bubbles or going up onto the sidewall. View helpful videos.

Why isn't my tape sticking?

Stan’s Yellow Tape uses a natural gum rubber adhesive that, with proper technique, sticks where you want it when you need it yet peels up leaving no residue for easy maintenance. Make sure the rim is very clean before applying. We recommend spraying with isopropyl alcohol and wiping with a clean rag. Pull firmly while applying pressure with your opposite hand to hold the tape in place. Do not attempt to reuse tape once it has been removed from the rim.

How many layers of tape should I use?

That depends on the rim and application. BST wheels are designed for low-pressure use (under 45psi) and require one layer of tape. BSTr wheels are designed to withstand high-pressure use (over 45psi) and require two layers of tape.

Can I patch my tape?

We do not recommend patching or partially repairing your rim tape. If your tape has been damaged, peel off all of the tape and re-tape the rim.

Can’t I just use Gorilla tape?

We do not recommend the use of Gorilla tape or similar tapes in either our rims or those of other manufacturers. These types of tape are too thick to be used with our rims and their porous construction can allow moisture into the rim cavity, resulting in possible nipple corrosion issues. Additionally, they leave a residue mess when removed, making maintenance a chore.

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