What Tubeless Rim Tape Width Do I Need?

Written by : Mr Mamil
Last updated :

Disclosure : I may earn an affiliate commission when you purchase through links on this page.

When it comes to the tubeless rim tape size, it depends on two factors.

Rim tape width

The tape width has to be at least 3 to 5mm wider than your rim’s internal width. The additional width allows the rim tape to run 1 to 2 mm up the rim’s sidewalls to provide better coverage. You can get the internal width information from your wheelset manufacturer’s website.

Generally, tubeless rims for road bikes have an internal width of 17, 19, 21, 23, or 25mm. Newer wheelsets usually have wider internal widths to accommodate wider tires.

For example, the latest Zipp 303 Firecrest has an internal diameter of 25mm and thus would require a rim tape width between 28 to 30mm.

Rim tape length

Rim tapes come in lengths of around 10m. Each 700c rim (622mm in diameter) has a circumference of 1.95m.

Each rim would require around 2.1 to 2.2 meters of rim tape, considering some overlap between both ends of the tape. So, you can apply up to four rims for each tape.

There is also a workshop variant of the rim tape with lengths up to 60 meters.

Rim tape brands

Muc-Off Tubeless Rim Tapes
Muc-Off Tubeless Rim Tapes

The common and popular aftermarket rim tape brands are Stan’s and Muc-Off. They offer various widths for cyclists to choose from.