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Bontrager TLR Rim Strips or rim tape?

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JBarn

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I have a new Boone 7 on order and will be going tubeless when in.

I converted my Fuel EX to tubeless 2 years ago and forget if I added tape or just used what was on the rim and it has worked perfect since then. I definitely didn't use the rim straps.

Is there any advantage to using the Bontrager TLR Rim Strips? If so, I'll get a pair on order so I'm ready when the bike hits our shores....

Thanks
 
#2 ·
It's hard to argue with either approach. One could argue that the TLR strips hold the tire's bead more tightly. You could also argue that tape makes it far easier to get the tire back onto the rim with a tube, in the event you have a flat on the trail.

My approach is lazy. If the TLR strips are on the rim, I keep using them. If not, I use tape.
 
#3 ·
I have a set of TLR 29 wheels I bought. They are set up with the rim strips. They hold air really well, it works, but they are an absolute pain in the ass to get otherwise easily mounted tires on and off the rims. I loathe the day I have a trailside issue that forces a teardown. I got these on the cheap to switch between 6Fattie and 9'r and can say I'll likely never do the rim strip again once I get another set of customs built up for the job. The hubs suck, too but that's the build quality of the Comp level TLR. I know they do a better hub. I've never had an issue with a taped rim that would warrant the rim strip and it's hassles as a viable option after experiencing these. My .02
 
#4 ·
I use the supplied rim strips on my Bontager rims. Its a nice setup but I dont like how the tires is stuck to the rim. After just two weeks I was almost unable to remove the Tire from the rim. I have been using tubeless for many years with orher rims with tape and never seen this problem before.
 
#6 ·
The TLR strips are very effective. I have them on two bikes.
Interestingly on my first bike they're trouble free, on my most recent one they work ok but still leak a touch and are so difficult to remove frankly they're never coming off the wheel. So if I break a spoke you'll hear me swearing from Australia trying to get them off.

Tape is easier but messier in my view...
 
#7 ·
^^^ not in my opinion. Tape is more difficult and time consuming to install, and if you remove it, you have the thoroughly clean the rim with solvent to remove stuck adhesive and other contaminants before applying new tape. Then, to ensure it's reliably stuck down to the rim, you should put a tube in and leave it inflated for at least a few hours to form the tape to the rim and press it down. You need a clean hole in it with no split to ensure the valve will seal to it.

You just put the Bontrager strip on, install the o-ring valve, and your done. If you do need to remove the strip. Insert a small screwdriver between the strip and rim through the valve hole. Lift the strip up, run a lever crosswise under it, and lever it off. The edges that go up under the bead hooks can get distorted when you do this but usually it's still usable.

I've often seen tape separate from the rim and start to leak, especially after removing and installing a tire. That won't happen with the Bontrager strips.
 
#8 ·
The rim strips are worth it. They make seating the bead so easy; I've used a floor pump every time I've used them with a Bontrager tire.

I don't understand how anyone could say tape is easier. You just pop the rim strip on and you're done. I've done both a million times working at a shop and I can say without a doubt rim strips are way faster and easier.
 
Discussion starter · #9 ·
TheDwayyo said:
The rim strips are worth it. They make seating the bead so easy; I've used a floor pump every time I've used them with a Bontrager tire.

I don't understand how anyone could say tape is easier. You just pop the rim strip on and you're done. I've done both a million times working at a shop and I can say without a doubt rim strips are way faster and easier.
Click to expand...
I assume this would be the same for the "road" rims such as the
Bontrager Paradigm Comp ( 19.2 wide inner width )

Thanks all!
 
#10 ·
Lone Rager said:
The rim strips work great. They're the best way to go IMO. Totally easy to inflate, air tight, burp proof, seal perfectly with their valves, reliable and bulletproof.
Click to expand...
Yup, one reason I'm a fan of Bonty rims. On my last bike I bought a set of SRAM Rail 50 wheels, very nice but tubeless setup was horrific with the offset/asym spoke holes. Bonty rim strips make tubeless setup very easy.
 
#11 ·
Ok, I can see how what I said might make no sense. They're only easier if I need to change broken spokes and even then it's a PITA to retape.

The rim strips are excellent on my non Bontrager rims. Love them and wouldn't do without them. LB carbon ones if it helps.

On my Bontrager Line 30's they make tyre installation interesting, and whilst clean are not something I look forward to removing as they're on very firmly. It means using a tool which might scratch the carbon.

Tubeless inflation is super easy using the Flashcharger too.

Would I want tape on? No. I stand corrected and sorry for any confusion. Hoping I never break a spoke on the Bontrager wheels...
 
#12 ·
JBarn said:
I assume this would be the same for the "road" rims such as the
Bontrager Paradigm Comp ( 19.2 wide inner width )

Thanks all!
Click to expand...
I would assume so, but can't say for sure. I do know that the shop I work at has a whole pile of Bontrager rim strips all in one spot... None look terribly different so I'm guessing some road ones are in there as well. Road tubeless is still fairly uncommon in my experience so I just haven't had to deal with it yet.

JonJones said:
Ok, I can see how what I said might make no sense. They're only easier if I need to change broken spokes and even then it's a PITA to retape.

The rim strips are excellent on my non Bontrager rims. Love them and wouldn't do without them. LB carbon ones if it helps.

On my Bontrager Line 30's they make tyre installation interesting, and whilst clean are not something I look forward to removing as they're on very firmly. It means using a tool which might scratch the carbon.

Tubeless inflation is super easy using the Flashcharger too.

Would I want tape on? No. I stand corrected and sorry for any confusion. Hoping I never break a spoke on the Bontrager wheels...
Click to expand...
Even replacing a spoke is no big deal. A little pick tool gets under the rim strip easy and then the rim strip stretches a bit as you pull it off, just like how it went on. I cannot imagine preferring to untape and retape a rim over pulling off a rim strip and sliding it back on... Even with carbon rims.
 
Discussion starter · #13 ·
TheDwayyo said:
I would assume so, but can't say for sure. I do know that the shop I work at has a whole pile of Bontrager rim strips all in one spot... None look terribly different so I'm guessing some road ones are in there as well. Road tubeless is still fairly uncommon in my experience so I just haven't had to deal with it yet.
.
Click to expand...
Yup. this will be for my new Boone which I will be running a gravel tire (38) on till the cross season (33) which comes with the Paridigm..

Thanks
 
#14 ·
I'm a weight weenie, and the added weight from the rim strips over a thin strip of tape makes my eye twitch. But it's totally worth it, no issues of tape peeling up, no chasing down sources of leaks, just snap the strip in the rim and air it up.
 
#16 ·
Sorry to bring up this old thread, but I figured it would be better than starting a new one. I was wondering if the strips will work on a 27.5 blanchard asymetrical rim? I am going to be switching my new bike to tubeless soon, and was considering this over tape.
 
#18 ·
pemberton325 said:
What's the weight of the rim strips? Anyone know? I have them on my Kovee pro wheels.
Click to expand...
~64g for the ones in my Line XXX rims.

This is heavy vs tape, which is probably <20g, however the way the rim strips are shaped their use for tubeless setup may not be totally optional if you want the most secure setup. They have the bump and channel that keep the tire pressed against the bead...
 
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