If you live where thorns punch their way into your dirt-bike tubes, and rocks inflict those nasty sidewall pinches, the thought of a semi-solid tube may seem appealing. Michelin Bib Mousse Tire Tubes are just such a thing.
The Bib Mousse is a foam core insert that replaces rubber tubes in off-road motorcycle tires. The non-inflatable insert insures a consistent pressure equivalent of 13 PSI. This is a suitable pressure for competition and for aggressive off-road duty. The tire is not for on-road use. In fact, Michelin states that it should never be ridden on hard surfaces at high speeds for more than 20 miles. Top speed for the tube is rated at 80 miles per hour.
The main use of the tube is for off-road competition where a flat will end a race day. Michelin states clearly that this is a competition accessory. That means that most recreational dirt riders are not the target market for this tube. In fact, dual sport riders in general should probably steer clear of the Bib Mousse.
In the end, this is a quality product for a relatively narrow niche of the motorcycling world: competitive racers. The high cost and the fact that the tube is not a permanent solution (it does wear out) renders it questionable for the rest of us. That being said, many Southwestern and Baja-type riders swear by them.
The Bib Mousse retails for around $160.
