MXA TEAM TESTED: NITROMOUSSE FOAM INSERTS, WEDGES & LUBE
WHAT IS IT? The Nuetech Nitromousse is a foam insert that replaces the standard inflatable tube to guarantee that you won’t ever get a flat. Mousse tubes are a must-have for any style of off-road racing (fast or slow), and for motocross racers who ride on rocky, flat-prone tracks.
WHAT’S IT COST? $139.95 (Nitromousse), $5.11 (Nitrolube).
CONTACT? www.nitromousse.com or (608) 301-6764.
WHAT STANDS OUT? Here’s a list of things that stand out with the Nitromousse elastomer foam tubes and Nitrowedges.
(1) Nitromousse. The Nitromousse gets its name because the micro-bubble-matrix of the foam mixture contains a high concentration of nitrogen. This lessens the dead feel of a normal mousse. Nitromousses come in different sizes to fit your specific tire and wheel size.
(2) Nitrolube. Lube is critical for getting the longest life out of a Mousse. Nitrolube is a high-quality, silicone-based lubricant that substantially reduces friction and heat buildup in your tire. Each installation requires one tube of Nitrolube, and you will not need to re-lube the mousse (as long as the valve holes in your rim are sealed). Do not use soap-based lubricants (like Murphy’s) with a Nitromousse. Mounting pastes dry up, which causes premature wear.
(3) Purpose. The MXA test riders use Nitromousses in off-road or Grand Prix-style races. It takes approximately 30 minutes to break in a new Nitromousse. They start out feeling stiff (similar to 15 psi), but after break-in, they mimic 12 psi. Mousses are heavier than air-filled tubes but hold their shape and don’t roll over under side loads. The life of the Nitromousse depends on the terrain it’s used on and the speed of the rider. MXA’s Pro test riders replace their Nitromousses, or wedge them, with every second tire change. Novice testers can go three or four tire changes before needing an update.
Nitromousse Wedge foam inserts come in two different densities and can be used to extend the life of a used Nitromusse tube. NitroLube keeps the mousse from getting too hot and sticking to the tire
(4) Options. The Nitromousse foam inserts come in two different densities. The Platinum mousse mimics the feel of an inflated inner tube with 12 psi. The Plushie version replicates the feel of an inner tube at 8 psi and was created for slow-speed Enduros or Endurocross races.
WHAT’S THE SQUAWK? Two issues: (1) There is a learning curve to installing a mouse. Try to find a friend who knows how to do it to teach you the tricks. (2) If the Nitromousse weren’t heavier, had more pressure adjustability and worked as well as a standard inflatable inner tube, we’d run it full-time in motocross. Off-road, we prefer mousse tubes over inflatables.
MXA RATING: Most MXA testers still choose inflatable inner tubes for motocross, but if you ride with mousses all the time, you get used to the feel for both off-road and motocross racing. Nitromousses eliminate flat-tire anxiety.
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