Tubeless rims on your road bike can provide excellent performance and comfort advantages over traditional tubed tires. But, setting up tubeless rims requires proper preparation and installation. One of the critical components of the entire setup is taping. Applying the tape correctly to the rim is crucial to prevent air loss and accommodate the tubeless tire.

Step 1: Remove Your Old Tape.

The first step in replacing your tubeless rim tape is removing the old tape from your rim. You can use a flat tool or a screwdriver to pry up and remove the old tape carefully. Be sure to clean the rim sidewalls and spoke holes thoroughly before installing the new tape.

Step 2: Measure Your Rim.

Measuring the rim diameter is key to choosing the right size tape for your rim. Check your rim specification or measure the rim diameter with a tape measure. Choose a tape that fits the rim diameter precisely, leaving a bit of an overlap for the seam or valve opening.

Step 3: Start Taping.

Start your taping by fixing the end of the tape inside the rim bed. Press down the tape firmly to stick it to the bed. Then, slowly and evenly wrap the tape around your rim bed. Take care to avoid wrinkling and overlapping the tape edges. Stretch the tape to get it into the rim's edges, but don't overstretch to prevent tearing or wrinkling.

Step 4: Seal The Edges.

Sealing the edges of the tape is crucial to prevent air or moisture from leaking through. You can use a small piece of tape or a thin strip of rubber material to seal the edges of the tape. Secure the seal by pressing on it firmly, above the valve opening, and around the rim's edges.

Step 5: Trim The Excess.

After finishing taping and sealing, trim off excess tape around the rim's edges to achieve a clean and smooth finish. Use a sharp scissors or a razor blade to cut off the excess. Take care not to cut the sealing material you've just applied. Your tubeless rim is now ready to go.



Taping tubeless rims on your road bike is an essential part of the entire tubeless tire installation process. With the right tools, careful preparation, and attention to detail, you can tape your tubeless rims correctly and avoid flat tires or air loss. Always remember to remove the old tape, measure the rim diameter, start the taping accurately, seal the edges correctly, and trim the excess to achieve a clean and smooth finish. Happy cycling on your newly tubeless road bike rims!