Basically, one of the off-road problems is punctures. If technical bikers know how to change an inner tube or solve puncture problems, often for beginners (increased with the e-bike) the question is: "what if I get a hole?".
The mousse, already used in the offroad field, has brought advantages on this aspect but should not be seen as anti-puncture.
THE MTB INSERTS (MOUSSE). WHAT ARE?
It is essentially a tire within a tire, with differences in the materials and shapes from model to model.
These inserts, also called mousses, are placed directly on the rim: just like an inner tube. But unlike the inner tube it is much denser and more solid. In most cases, it is used with tubeless latex, just like a tubeless tire, with the difference that it allows you to use lower pressures without risking to bump the rim.
Used with this system it is very suitable in the racing field, where riders often would like to go lower in pressure but then do not do it to avoid big blows on the rim in case of important jumps or important obstacles.
This makes it clear that it is not an anti-puncture: if you make a major tear on the tire and the latex does not close, you are forced to go back to the mousse. Ok, better than going back to the circle, but in any case it is advisable to go back home since the sensations of driving deflated on the mousse is not optimal (as well as ruining it).
PROFIT ON E-BIKES
Why has it caught on a lot on e-bikes? Because the greater volumes involved (greater weight of the bike) leads to greater stress on the wheels and, in the case of advanced riders, hitting the rim is not a rare hypothesis. And then, the extra weight placed on the rotating mass is less perceived by having an engine that helps us.
Benefits MOUSSE
- Use of lower pressures: less pressure on the tire means greater traction and grip on the ground, especially in the wet.
- protects the rim from blows: when you hold low pressures, you have more grip but roots and stones can be a problem if they are hit hard. Here the mousse reduces the likelihood of spoiling or even breaking the circle.
- Possibility to finish a lap or a descent even if you get a hole. Fundamental advantage in the competitive field, where, for a puncture, the race is not thrown away but the PS can be concluded.
DISADVANTAGES MOUSSE
- Installation: not always intuitive (see ironic video below). If you are a beginner, you are unlikely to succeed without the help of an expert.
- Shot put: increasing weight on the rotating maximums is not the best, which is why on "muscular" bikes it is a product widely used in the competitive field and not in a playful use of the bike. On the e-bike, on the other hand, this problem is of lesser importance. In the e-bike this aspect can be reflected in a greater consumption of the battery.
- Machine maintenance: the inserts, some more or less, drink liquid and therefore must be kept an eye on so as not to find yourself going out with the dry liquid and therefore the tire that loses pressure. More maintenance also means more costs: the life of the insert is not infinite and it is necessary to foresee an annual expense to buy it back (of course it depends on how many km you travel with the bike). Costs range from € 30 to € 100 approximately.
