Known primarily for its oval chainrings and high-end graphene-infused chain lubricant, the latest from absoluteBLACK might surprise you. A few days ago, we learned that the speciality cycling brand is entering the tubeless tape market with the debut of its Polyimide Tubeless Rim Tape for Carbon Rims. This transparent polyimide tape with high-tack adhesive is intended to take the guesswork out of installation and provide a consistent, reliable seal.
absoluteBLACK Polyimide Tape Details
This new rim tape is made from engineering-grade polyimide and is transparent with a light amber color. According to absoluteBLACK, the polyimide material is widely used in aerospace and electronics applications for its strength and stability. “At just 100 microns, it conforms precisely to the rim bed, while a controlled level of elasticity helps it settle into place without lifting.”
Importantly, the transparent tape has no logos or graphics, which absoluteBLACK says can often hide imperfections and air bubbles that result in poor adhesion and sealing. This makes it easier to see bubbles and other imperfections during installation, so they can be worked out and corrected, thereby improving conformity to the surface of the rim bed.
Additionally, absoluteBLACK is using a higher-tack adhesive, which they say is specifically designed for high-pressure applications and use with carbon rims. The brand states that the thicker adhesive layer increases compliance, resulting in an enhanced ability to adapt to varying shapes and profiles. The thicker adhesive reportedly conforms more readily to irregularities and surface imperfections, which increases contact and improves the consistency of the seal.
Together, absoluteBLACK intends its Polyimide Tubeless Rim Tape to “reduce the guesswork in tubeless setups — making it possible to see, correct, and achieve a consistent, reliable seal before riding.”
Specs
- Available Widths: 23, 25, 27, 29, 32mm
- Length: 10m
- Color: Transparent amber
- Material: Engineering-grade polyimide / higher tack adhesive
- Compatibility: Specifically designed for Carbon rims (also works on Aluminum)
- MSRP: $19.95 / €16.95
Availability
absoluteBlack’s Polyimide Tubeless Rim Tape is available now. Head to the brand’s website to learn more or order a roll for your next tubeless tape job.
