Well, I guess it is time to 'fess up to the sordid truth. Some of my bikes don't have Genuine Velox tape, and I'm not just talking about ones with sew-ups.
Without thinking about the inherent heresy (like that alliteration?) some long time ago, in a fit of eagerness to finish a project, I raided the medicine chest and used - gasp - old-fashioned white J&J surgical tape. And I got away with it. Available in 1/2" - 3/4" and 1", last time I checked, applies easily, and comes off well. I overlap the ends at the valve hole, and use a little hand reamer to make the hole.
But, I'm sure that none of the pure souls on this list would do something so contrary to the spirituality of our pursuit.
Dale, we're gonna have to enforce discipline at Cirque: if folks are going to have their bikes with wired-on tyres judged, they must be compelled to show that they are using Authentic Velox or equal. :-).
harey sachs mcLean va
Bianca Pratorius wrote:
>>
>> The local bike shop which gives special consideration to classic bikes
>> and bike owners switched me over to strapping tape last week. He said
>> other than being difficult to remove it has only advantages. He claims
>> that strapping tape keeps your eyelets from rusting, because Velox
>> holds moisture and sometimes can be found to be wringing wet after a
>> wet ride or washing. This eventually causes corrosion to form on your
>> nipples. I switched over to one layer of strapping tape.. result for
>> two rims = 9 grams. This is in stark contrast to two rolls of Velox
>> which is 30 grams when dry and much more if moist.
>
>
My experience... late 70s thought Velox was stupid and got the idea to use strapping tape instead. Patted myself on the back figuring I was a genius and went riding. Few days later got a flat because the sharp edge of the spoke holes had cut the filaments in the tape, then tried to remove the strapping tape (what a mess, took hours), and then used that yellow plastic Michelin tape which split after a year or so and caused a flat and then went back to Velox. Good rims have stainless steel eyelets, nipples are nickel plated brass. Rust???
Chuck Schmidt
South Pasadena, Southern California