Tubeless tires are designed to operate without the traditional inner tubes. To accommodate these tires, you'll need to use special rims that are either specifically designed for tubeless tires or at least "tubeless-ready." (All Carbonal bike carbon clincher / hookless rims & wheels are "tubeless-ready"). To convert a tubeless-ready rim into a tubeless rim, you simply need to install a special sealing rim tape.

It's crucial for this rim tape to provide an airtight seal, as tubeless tires rely solely on the seal to prevent air leakage through the spoke holes in the rim. So, what width of rim tape should you choose for your bicycle wheels?

Rim tape must securely adhere to the entire lower, flat rim area, spanning from side wall to another side wall. For tubeless-compatible rims, the tape should extend slightly up the sidewalls, but not excessively. A visual representation illustrates this concept more clearly:

Therefore, when selecting rim tape for your bicycle wheels:

• For tires with tubes, opt for rim tape that matches the width of your rim or is up to 2 mm wider, taking into account the rim's shape and how much the tape stretches and narrows when applied.

• For tubeless-ready rims paired with tubeless tires, choose a rim tape that is 3 to 5 mm wider, depending on the curvature of the rim and the height of the sidewalls.

It's essential to consider how much the rim tape stretches and narrows in width as it's applied over the rim, as well as the rim's shape, as these factors will significantly impact the effectiveness of the seal.