Categories: Accessories and GearGeneralNostalgiaReverence

Reverence: Velox Fond de Jante Rim Tape

The very first time I ever pulled a tire and tube off of a rim it made an impression on me and it still does. I’m not sure I expected to find anything other than the tube between the rim and tire but there it was, some sort of tape. The French words, “Fond de Jante” and latin “Velox”, written in blue, lightly stamped upon woven adhesive-backed cotton-canvas. It had at once both a timelessness and a retro look. Running my forefinger over it as it covered the eyelets of my rims I imagined a French bicycle mechanic of old masterfully building wheels that pro teams from the 60’s and 70’s might use.

We can still look at our machines and see flares of tradition that remain from technology which has trudged on. Round drop-bars and gleaming bits are remaining vestiges of the classic machines of our sport. These throwbacks are often obscured by contemporary things like modern materials, ergo shapes and compact geometry. But hidden between layers of rubber and aluminum, like a business suit belies fine lingerie, adheres Le Fond de Jante, literally the “base of the rim”. The true story of Fond de Jante can be found here.

You might say all this pradling on about rim tape may be much ado about nothing. However, no detail is too small nor can it be overlooked by the Velominatus. I’ve heard other companies manufacture and sell rim tape but when you’re given Rochefort 8 for your first beer there’s no use in even considering anything else. So chapeau to our friends at Velox for making the finest rim tape that’s ever protected a tube from puncture.

Marko

Marko lives and rides in the upper midwest of the States, Minnesota specifically. "Cycling territory" and "the midwest" don't usually end up in the same sentence unless the conversation turns to the roots of LeMond, Hampsten, Heiden and Ochowitz. While the pavé and bergs of Flanders are his preferred places to ride, you can usually find him harvesting gravel along forest and farm roads. He owes a lot to Cycling and his greatest contribution to cycling may forever be coining the term Rainbow Turd.

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scaler911 says:

Dec 19 2011 at 8:56 am

@paolo

@scaler911
Those pictures kind of stack the deck there. You can get absolutely beautiful carbon bling by Ritchey. And if you ride a bike you're pretty much aware of that since it's everywhere.
However, I am with Frank on this. Off road only. I don't know why except that TR made his bones off road I guess but it does just seem wrong on a road bike.
3T ftw!!

True. But Tom did make nice road bike for awhile too:

And there is absolutely NO fucking around with his 'stach.
frank says:

Dec 19 2011 at 9:02 am

@Gotta Ride Today, @scaler911, @paolo
They make great parts and great stuff, and Tom Ritchey is an American Legend. The Bridgestone bikes used to come laden with their stuff. I would not hesitate to buy a Ritchey 29er. But their stuff just doesn't strike my fancy for the Road. No good reason, it just doesn't capture my imagination the way 3T or Deda does.
scaler911 says:

Dec 19 2011 at 9:04 am

@frank

@Gotta Ride Today, @scaler911, @paolo
They make great parts and great stuff, and Tom Ritchey is an American Legend. The Bridgestone bikes used to come laden with their stuff. I would not hesitate to buy a Ritchey 29er. But their stuff just doesn't strike my fancy for the Road. No good reason, it just doesn't capture my imagination the way 3T or Deda does.

Totally understand. I feel the same way about Cavandish.
G'rilla says:

Dec 19 2011 at 10:42 am

@RedRanger

If I was going to replace bar, stem and seat post I would go with 3T or maybe FSA. I agree that Ritchey does not catch my eye the way those two brands do.

Ritchey gear is the business, as has been established by this very site. I built my cross bike starting with Ritchey WCS classic bend bars and moved backwards and downwards to frame, wheels, and gearing.

They are 50g lighter than the 3T Rotundos.

I hope to find another pair under the tree this weekend which will free up my 3T Ergonova bars and stem for bike #3.
RedRanger says:

Dec 19 2011 at 10:55 am

One thing you cant take away about the city I live in is that Cycling is huge here. Competative Cyclist , the team, is gonna have their training camp here. Maybe I can get some pictures of the team training and their gear.
VeloVita says:

Dec 19 2011 at 12:25 pm

@frank

@all
Am I the only one that just doesn't like Ritchey products on a road bike? Given the choice between two products of equal value and performance, I'll take the other every time.
Love the shit out of them for off-road, though.

I'm sure I'll catch hell from someone regarding this, but that's the same way I feel about Thomson seatposts and stems.
Rookie_Roubaix says:

Dec 19 2011 at 1:17 pm

@gaswepass

@ChrisO

I had a disastrous gash about a month ago, which gave me my cue to switch to my winter (tubed, with Spec Armadillo Elite 25mms) set up and save the $$$ rubber for spring. Changing it on the side was actually just fine - but it does require some effort to push the bead to the center of the rim. not too bad, if my candystick arms can manage it roadside. just booted the gash and stuffed a tube inside. Made it 20miles back home after that.
scaler911 says:

Dec 19 2011 at 4:23 pm

Best, "Best of Craigslist" posting ever: http://www.craigslist.org/about/best/sea/1192150038.html

Enjoy........
Chris says:

Dec 19 2011 at 4:33 pm

@scaler911

Class.

"While we're at it, you recumbent people scare me a little. Don't bring that lumbering fucking thing anywhere near me."
itburns says:

Dec 19 2011 at 4:51 pm

@scaler911
"because sharks are FUCKING AWESOME"