Pay attention to two measurements: Measurement Note Diameter Standard in BMX is 20 inch. However, we also have strips for 16", 18", 22", or 24". Width The strip must completely cover the bottom of the rim but must not ride up the sidewalls (otherwise the tire is harder to install). Common widths in BMX are 28mm to 30mm (Wide).

Rim Strips | kunstform BMX Shop & Mailorder

Q: What types are there?

Vinyl / PVC (The BMX Standard) A firm but elastic plastic ring. Vinyl strips are very resistant to punctures and can easily withstand high tire pressure. The big advantage: They are easy to install and can be removed and reused if necessary. Fabric / Tape (Rim Tape) Self-adhesive tape from a roll. It is very light and does not slip. Disadvantage: Since it is glued on, you usually have to destroy/peel it off if you need to replace a broken spoke nipple. Rubber Very soft and cheap. These simple rubber bands push deep into the spoke holes at high air pressure (over 40-50 PSI) and often cause flats. Hardly recommended in modern BMX.

Q: How do I identify and fix common problems?

Flat on the inside of the tube: The rim strip has slipped or is too old/thin, causing the tube to rub against the spoke heads. Replace the strip! Valve is crooked: The rim strip slipped during installation and presses against the valve. Correct the fit before inflating.

Rim Strips FAQ

What is a rim strip and what is its main purpose?

The rim strip is a protective layer placed directly on the rim bed. It covers the holes of the spoke nipples. Without a rim strip, the air pressure would push the tube into these holes, causing it to burst immediately (spoke puncture).

What types are there?

Vinyl / PVC (The BMX Standard): A firm but elastic plastic ring. Vinyl strips are very resistant to punctures and can easily withstand high tire pressure. The big advantage: They are easy to install and can be removed and reused if necessary.
Fabric / Tape (Rim Tape): Self-adhesive tape from a roll. It is very light and does not slip. Disadvantage: Since it is glued on, you usually have to destroy/peel it off if you need to replace a broken spoke nipple.
Rubber: Very soft and cheap. These simple rubber bands push deep into the spoke holes at high air pressure (over 40-50 PSI) and often cause flats. Hardly recommended in modern BMX.

What size do I need?

Pay attention to two measurements:

Measurement	Note
Diameter	Standard in BMX is 20 inch. However, we also have strips for 16", 18", 22", or 24".
Width	The strip must completely cover the bottom of the rim but must not ride up the sidewalls (otherwise the tire is harder to install). Common widths in BMX are 28mm to 30mm (Wide).

How do I install a vinyl rim strip?

Clean the rim bed of dust and oil.
Locate the valve hole in the rim strip and place it exactly over the valve hole of the rim.
Fix the strip there (e.g., by inserting a screwdriver) so it doesn't slip.
Pull the strip with tension over the rest of the rim. It must sit tight ("snap" in place).
Check if it sits centrally and no spoke holes are visible.

How do I identify and fix common problems?

Flat on the inside of the tube: The rim strip has slipped or is too old/thin, causing the tube to rub against the spoke heads. Replace the strip!
Valve is crooked: The rim strip slipped during installation and presses against the valve. Correct the fit before inflating.

What do the specifications mean?

Term	Explanation	Examples / Available
Size	The wheel diameter.	20" (Standard), 16", 18"
Width	Width of the strip in mm.	22mm, 28mm, 30mm
Material	What the strip is made of.	Vinyl (Standard), Rubber, Nylon