There are two common types of VXM rim tape for different uses. Below is a complete guide to help you pick the right one and specifications.
1. Two Main Types of VXM Rim Tape
Tubeless Rim Tape
Features: Transparent blue, thin and tough with strong adhesive. Function: Seal spoke holes, maintain air tightness and prevent air leakage. Application: Tubeless wheel sets.
Anti-Puncture Rim Strip
Features: Green with VXM logo, thickness around 0.8mm, made of fiber and TPU material. Function: Install between inner tube and rim to avoid punctures and pinch flats. Application: Wheel sets with inner tubes.
2. Size Selection for Tubeless VXM Rim Tape
Step 1: Measure the inner rim width
Use a caliper to measure the inner base width of the rim (not outer width). Common sizes: Road bike 18–22mm, Mountain bike 21–30mm, Gravel bike 23–28mm.
Step 2: Width selection rule
Recommended tape width = Inner rim width + 2 ~ 4mm
- Example: 21mm inner width → choose 23–25mm tape
- Example: 25mm inner width → choose 27–29mm tape
Tips: A slightly wider tape works better. Too narrow will cause air leaks; excessively wide tape may curl up and make tire installation difficult.
Common available widths
21mm, 23mm, 25mm, 27mm, 29mm, 32mm, 34mm (10 meters per roll).
Length & Layers
One 10-meter roll is enough for 4 wheels. For better air tightness, apply 2 layers of tape for tubeless setups.
3. Size Selection for VXM Anti-Puncture Rim Strip (For Inner Tube)
- Width: Slightly narrower than the inner rim width, just enough to cover spoke holes.
- Common sizes: 25mm, 40mm (wide version for mountain bikes).
- Length: 2.3 meters per strip, one strip for one wheel.
- Thickness: Approx. 0.8mm, offers puncture resistance and cushioning.
4. Material & Air Pressure Reference
- Tubeless tape: Made of TPU/Polyurethane, 0.2mm thin, withstands high pressure (≥10 bar).
- Anti-puncture strip: Fiber & TPU composite, excellent impact and puncture resistance.
- High pressure (Road bike: 8–10 bar): Use blue tubeless rim tape.
- Low pressure (Mountain bike: 2–4 bar): Both blue tubeless tape and green anti-puncture strip are applicable.
5. Quick Size Reference Chart
Road Bike (700c)
- 18mm inner width → 21mm tape
- 19–20mm inner width → 23mm tape
- 21–22mm inner width → 25mm tape
Mountain Bike (26/27.5/29 inch)
- 21mm inner width → 23–25mm tape
- 23mm inner width → 25–27mm tape
- 25mm inner width → 27–29mm tape
- 28–30mm inner width → 32–34mm tape
Gravel Bike
- 23–25mm inner width → 27mm tape
6. Installation Tips
- Fully clean the rim to remove old adhesive, oil and dirt before application.
- For tubeless tape: Start from the valve hole, pull tight and apply without wrinkles or air bubbles.
- When applying two layers for tubeless wheels, stagger the joints of two layers.
- For anti-puncture strips: Secure the edges with inner tube and valve to prevent shifting.
Summary
- Tubeless wheels: Measure inner rim width → add 2~4mm → choose blue VXM tubeless rim tape.
- Wheels with inner tubes: Choose green VXM anti-puncture rim strip, width slightly smaller than inner rim width.
