What Is The Difference Between Mousse, Tubliss And Regular Tyre Tubes?

Getting a flat tyre is a quick way to ruin your day at the track or trails, and while sometimes it's out of our control, on many occasions using a different type of tube could've potentially prevented it.

In this guide, we look at the key differences between the three tube types commonly used in dirt bike tyres.

Regular tubes:

Regular dirt bike tubes are what you're probably most familiar with, as they're the traditional tube system that's fitted standard to your dirt bike. Regular tubes come in different offerings such as standard, heavy duty, and ultra heavy duty - the latter offering superior protection from punctures, however they come with added weight.

Regular tubes are still commonly used by motocross riders and racers, especially as they're affordable, relatively reliable, and simple and easy to change.

Ultra heavy duty tubes are the most affordable way to prevent a flat tyre, although at the end of the day, they’re still a tube and are still prone to punctures (although far less likely than a standard thickness tube). Regular tubes, in any variant, offer the most reliable feeling with the bike that most of us are used to.

Mousse tubes:

Mousse tubes, or bib mousse as they're sometimes referred to, have always been popular amongst enduro and off-riders, but they’re becoming increasingly popular amongst motocross riders as well.

A mousse tube is essentially a thick foam tube that replaces a regular tube, maintaining a steady pressure without air while being unable to suffer a puncture. When you first ride with a mousse tube, you'll notice a different spongey feeling, although you'll quickly get used to this.

Mousse tubes maintain the same air pressure, and they’re usually on the expensive side as they do come as a complete kit to get you started, although the peace of mind knowing you won't be getting a flat is well worth the price tag.

Mousse tubes are notorious for being difficult to install, and like anything, once you do it a few times, you’ll be able to install them with no dramas. Michelin, Dunlop, Goldentyre, and Motoz are common mousse tube brands.

Fun fact: It's team protocol for CDR Yamaha riders to use mousse tubes in motocross!

Tubeless system:

A tubeless system, currently only offered by Nuetech, removes the use of a regular tube by utilising a dual pressure chamber system with a high pressure, rim-protecting inner bladder acting as a 360-degree rim lock that seals the tyre to the full circumference of the rim.

This is a system that some off-road and enduro riders use, as tyre pressures can be reduced significantly over regular and mousse tubes, and flat tyres can be repaired within a matter of minutes.

Some of the key benefits of running a tubeless system are being able to increase traction through lower air pressures, a plusher ride and no pinch flats, and exceptional durability.

You won't usually find a tubeless system fitted to the bike of a motocross racer, although they should definitely be considered for enduro and off-road riding.