So I got my 250xcf about a year ago with bib mousses in both tires. From pressing on it, the tires feel like they are basically at 0-2 psi.
My front end isn't really plush at all after getting the suspension rebuilt and set up for my weight. I haven't replaced the bibs yet because the tires are still in really good condition, but after riding over the weekend I think it's time.
Trying to decide if I should stick with bibs or switch over to tubes for better feeling & maybe more plushness. Not sure if I really want to drop the $ on bibs since I'm not racing & don't ride often enough.
Any of you guys notice a big difference switching from bibs to tubes?
Hitting any types of jumps whatsoever sketch me out because I'm scared I'm going to bend a wheel.
You're more likely to bend a wheel with bibs.
Front tire corners better with a tube.
If you're not racing for points and are equipped to fit a tube, then go that route ... proven tech over many years.
If you're looking for reliability, then go with some new bibs.
FYI, if you've got old bibs, you might be able to 'stuff' them by adding a 4-6 inch piece. Plenty of videos online showing you how to do this. It can add life to your old bibs by increasing the amount of foam in the tire, effectively increasing the pressure.
You've got to inspect the bib when you pull it out ... if it's crumbling and cut to pieces, stuffing won't help much.
The main reason to use a mousse is for reliability. There is a secondary reason that is not discussed a lot that they really help control tire rebound off of roots and rocks. Otherwise they are more expensive and a little more of a pain to maintain than tubes. They are heavier than standard tubes too if you care about that.
I am an exclusive mousse user as I ride and race off-road and a flat means a dnf from timing out and ruining a season points.
Mousse have a lifespan, part of that is operating hours and part of this is just time, where the "rubber" breaks down. I would expect two year old mousse already mounted in tires to be past its lifespan.
For mx, I don't know if there is much benefit for using mousse over tubes. For off-road we run lower psi for better grip, and that can lead to pinch flats with a tube. We ride road connectors and can pick up nails and other junk. I don't think MX shares these same concerns, as all my moto friends use tubes.
So I would consider returning to tubes, you will probably notice a lot better handling.
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Thanks, I decided I'm going back to HD tubes with rim locks. I really do not see a point in spending the extra $ on mousses since the time expiration will come way before the hours expiration for me. I mainly ride offroad, but no racing. Hopefully no flats are in my future.
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