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Bib mousse and tire recommendations

RollingJ

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I have a spare wheelset and I want to run bibs for my upcoming Big Bend trip this spring.

There are tons of options. What works best for you?

2006 KTM 450 XC 18/21
 
bwdmax

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I have been wondering the same thing. I keep reading different stuff on the internet from "best choice ever" to "don't even think about it".

Life can get so complicated sometimes...
 
Aspear

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Michelin starcross 5 medium rear, soft front with michelin mousse is my go to set up for most Texas terrain. Good all around set up from deep sand to hidden falls.

I've found the michelin mousse to last longer than nitro.

I ran mousses all last year racing torcs. Went through two fronts(one michelin and one nitro) and three rear(two michelin and one nitro).

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2WheelNut

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How do you know when a mousse needs replacement and typically how many tires can a mousse be used for?
 
SilverBullet

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RollingJ said:
I have a spare wheelset and I want to run bibs for my upcoming Big Bend trip this spring.

There are tons of options. What works best for you?

2006 KTM 450 XC 18/21
Click to expand...
What is your intended pavement use? Typical distance and mph? Thinking spirited riding on FM170 up to Presidio? This can be the achilles heel for bibs, heat is their biggest degradation factor.

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Aspear

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2WheelNut said:
How do you know when a mousse needs replacement and typically how many tires can a mousse be used for?
Click to expand...
They get softer over time and will start to feel like a flat tube.

6 months is about the max recommended life. It depends on usage. Heat is the main enemy of them. With each heat cycle the foam beaks down more.

I usually get two rears per mousse. I'm not hard on front tires so I usually end up with a new mousse with every tire.

Since you have a spare wheelset, you have the ability to store them in the guest closet in climate control which will prolonge the life aswell. You want to keep them off the ground to avoid flat spots.

I would not expect to get a long life on the highway. Dakar and isde guys get a day out of a mousse.

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RollingJ

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SilverBullet said:
What is your intended pavement use? Typical distance and mph? Thinking spirited riding on FM170 up to Presidio? This can be the achilles heel for bibs, heat is their biggest degradation factor.

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I will run the bibs on the fast and dirty dessert days (and in the forest back home) and the tubes on pavement or dual sport.
 
Aspear

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If you want to have zero doubt that your ride will not end with a flat tire. Do it.

It costs me $200 to go racing after entries, fuel, food etc. Not going to let a flat end my weekend

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RollingJ

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Since I have you on the phone, Aspear...

What tire sizes for the bibs fit best?

Also, do I need to get a rabaconda style changer? I have changed a bunch of tires but never a mousse.
 
Aspear

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RollingJ said:
Since I have you on the phone, Aspear...

What tire sizes for the bibs fit best?

Also, do I need to get a rabaconda style changer? I have changed a bunch of tires but never a mousse.
Click to expand...
If you plan to run them more than once I would spend the money for the rabaconda or an alternative version.

Bibs come in multiple sizes so be sure you order correctly for your tire of choice.

I currently have run 110/100 rear with a m14, 90/100 front with m16



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kubotamiketx

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I have a Rabaconda, it is well worth the money even for standard tires, tube or tubeless. Used to hate the rear on the 1090, now its easier than the 21" front.
 
SilverBullet

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RollingJ said:
I will run the bibs on the fast and dirty dessert days (and in the forest back home) and the tubes on pavement or dual sport.
Click to expand...
You should get good life then. Aspear has the firsthand experience here. I bought the new improved Neutech Progressive bibs. Supposed to be longer life and better feel. Havent installed them yet. Too cold and I am attempting without any stand or machine. If you try Neutech their size charts are very intense. So many variations by exact tire mfg, model and size.

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