Hed Jet Disk Defect?
While installing latex tubes on my Hed Jet disk wheels (2011), which I use infrequently, the tube flatted after about 10 seconds. I pulled the tube and installed another assuming that I had caused the flat. Within about 10 seconds of installing the second tube, psssssst, and it's flat again. So I pull the second tube, compare to the first and find that they each have a hole in the exact same place. My pea brain says that must be a rim problem, not an installation problem. So I stretch the tube around the rim and find the two possible locations where the flat occurred (because the tube could have been installed two ways). At one of the locations, I discover that the rim tape is just barely covering the spoke hole, and there's powder around the spoke hole as further evidence that this is the culprit. Then I notice that the spoke holes are way out of center. I get out my calipers and find the spoke hole is 5mm from the outside of the brake track on one side and 10mm from the outside of the brake track on the other side. In fact, the spoke holds are so close to the interior of the brake track that it is inevitable that the rim tape will slip down a little and the tire will flat. In addition, I have just blown $30 in latex tubes because the rims are poorly manufactured.
Why didn't I notice this before? Probably because I recently began using latex tubes. Also, I have had flats before, but since I didn't use the wheels often, I never thought much of it.
So, my question is, what would you do? Should I call/email HED and see if they'll stand behind this thing? Has anyone had any success with this? Should I try new rim tape even though I seriously doubt that it will be sufficient to cover the spoke holes? What would you do?
Comments
Hed's spoke holes are not center aligned on purpose. It's best to use very wide rim tape, like mountain bike rim tape. Using traditional road bike rim tape that's like 17mm isn't going to work because of the asymmetrical holes. You need rim tape at least 21-22mm wide.
Stan's 21mm or Velox 22mm is what I have always used with my Hed spoked wheels. It's every bit as thick and as tough (probably more so actually) than traditional road bike rim tape. Never had an issue with my Jet Disc, Jet 9 or Jet 6.