Tire Balls or Bibs?

W

Wimpy525

New member
This is probably like asking what oil to run but figure I'd ask anyways. Raced an enduro and had three flats 2 rears and 1 front. The course is know for flats but I have never had a problem with getting flats in the past. I looked at bibs but seams like they will need to be replaced a couple of times through out the season. Tire Balls are somewhat expensive but probably wont need to be replaced as often.
I am a fairly fast B-rider race enduros only, I dont ride dual sports so not worried about being on the road. Ride mainly rocky single track.
Just wondering if anyone else has had some time with the Tire Balls.

Thanks
 
I ran Dunlop tennis balls in the snow last winter with the studded tires, but that's not the same. They worked well enough that I will be using them again this winter.
 
That debate is ongoing here in Arizona rocks.

I have been using bibs in my race rims for two years (same bibs).
 
I've been running the Tubliss inserts for about 3 years now. They have their bad points just like anything but overall they seem to be the best thing I have used so far. I liked the foam inserts but they just didn't seem to last long enough. When they are new they are too hard feeling and after a few rides they are too mushy feeling. Tried the tire balls for awhile but they were a PITA".
Good points about the tubliss system is they are light, you can run a very low tire pressure, and they make changing the tire fairly easy. Bad points are you should run a tire sealant of some sort[kinda messy when changing tires] and you can still get a flat. But at least you can still ride it with a flat just not quite as fast. If you run a tire with a good stout carcass you can get a flat in the rear and hardly even notice it. If you get a flat on the front you will notice it but at least you can continue riding without the bead coming off of the rim.
 
rosco said:
Tried the tire balls for awhile but they were a PITA".
.
Click to expand...

I am assuming that you are saying changing the tire is the problem with the tire balls. I kind of figured that. I have heard what you said about the bibs and that is what concerns me with them. I think I'll look into the tubless figured these would not be the best in the rocks. I run a M59 front and MT16 rear with about 11.5 PSI to 13 PSI depending on conditions. This has been the best set up for me in the Rocks and have had pretty good luck without getting flats.
 
+1 tubliss. Have been running them on rocks for 6 years now, but suggest you get stiff/reinforced sidewall tires to avoid getting sidewall cuts with low pressures or just run the same pressure as with tubes. Mitas have some good tires for tubliss c18 or xt 947
I personally run about 7psi on the rear and there is someone on this forum who uses maxxis desert uninflated

I also use slime in the tires and carry tire plugs but usually only notice a puncture when I load my bike after a ride
 
I got about 5 years and 2300mi on my tire balls. Yes they make it a PITA to change a tire out but you NEVER have to worry about a flat. I have 25 of them with 2psi stuffed into a trials tire which is about the same a 10psi. I did replace 4 of the balls this last spring when I put a new tire on but thats been it.
 
I liked the feel of the tire balls way better than the foam inserts and they definitely held up better than the foam inserts, but I couldn't change a tire as quick as I could with the foam inserts and I kept busting my balls:D on my front wheel. It seemed like after every ride I would have to replace about 3 or 4 balls on my front wheel.
If I was a top level racer and absolutely couldn't afford the chance of getting a flat I would probably run foam inserts. But for the rest of us mere mortals I would go with the tubliss system.
 
I have found that running pro honda flat proof reduces pinch flats. Not because it stops a leak - but because it provides a layer of lubrication inside the tube.

Pinch the tube between your thumb and forefinger and try to slide it back and forth... With no flatproof - it "sticks hard" - with a nice slimey flat proof - it slides and glides...

I raced for many years running a lighter tube - michelin airstop with pro-honda flat proof with no issues....

I also used talcum powder on the outside of the tube/inside the tire to make the tire slip in easily.

If I lived somewhere with cactus, etc. I might take another path...

jeff

p.s. I do run a little more pressure if I know I am going to hitting rocks at high speed - this is to both prevent flats and to protect the rim.
 
It think I am going to test the tubless over the winter and see how it works out. I dont like what I am hearing about the Bibs as they wear out farily quick. Our enduro series has 18 races so I am looking for something with some life. I change tires every three races so I don't want something that is going to make changing tires a pain.
Thanks for the all the replies.
 
I have never used bibs but have had an interest in these threads trying to get riders to run tubliss and understand the system. But from what I understand about bibs is that they will last a fairly long time if you lubricate them regularly. I am easy on my tires so they last for a while, it would be a real PITA if I had to take them off every few months to lube them

When you fit the tubliss I would suggest you ditch the tubliss rim tape (unless they have changed it) and rather run a minimum of six layers of electrical tape over the spoke nipples. The tubliss tabe is thick and has a sharp hard edge that I have seen puncture the small high pressure tube
If you follow the fitting instructions to the t you will have no issues there are some YouTube vids on how to fit etc
 
We run bibs. With the right tools they're easier to change than anything else. We get excellent longevity and never worry about a flat. The feel is more planted than with pressurized systems and seems to deflect less.
 
after multiple flats front and rear last Hare Scramble series iv'e just got a set of tubliss and can't wait to test them out.
 
If you want longevity with the bibs, you need to clean and re-lube them OFTEN. When I was running them I could get an entire season from them. But I re-lubed after every event.
 
I have run Tubliss. Cuts in the tire still equal flat for me, Though it does stay on the bead, I prefer to not chance it

I have use bibs and Tireballs, . My Favorite is a bib in the front (More Planted) and Tireballs in the back with low presure to help with climbing rocks.

I ride Enduros in the Northeast M59 Front an MT16 Rear,

MT16 Sidewalls Fall apart with low presure and the cords then cut into the tireballs. This has been going on the past couple years with MT16

ED
 
Ed you are you one of those Netra boys? Been thinking about riding the Cheese Grater. I grew Up CT rode a few NETRA Events back in the 90's figure I could use a ass beating after all these easy ECEA events.
 
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