You choose the right X-GRIP combination in three steps: a tyre that suits your terrain and rim size, a filling (mousse or inner tube) that suits how you ride, and the small parts that make the whole setup reliable, such as rim locks, rim tape and mousse gel. For hard enduro, many riders choose a mousse because it means you can no longer get a puncture. In this guide you will read what the difference is, which X-GRIP lines there are and what to look out for when fitting.
What is X-GRIP?
X-GRIP is an Austrian brand that develops tyres, mousses and protective parts for enduro, motocross and rally. Experience from tough races such as Red Bull Romaniacs and the Erzbergrodeo has gone into the products. You will find the complete range in the X-GRIP collection.
Mousse or inner tube: what is the difference?
A mousse is a ring of foam rubber that takes the place of the inner tube. There is no air in it, so a puncture from a nail, a sharp rock or a pinch flat (snakebite) is not possible. An inner tube is filled with air, so you can adjust the tyre pressure yourself.
| Mousse | Inner tube | |
|---|---|---|
| Puncture risk | No punctures | Can puncture or pinch flat |
| Pressure | Fixed, determined by the mousse | Adjustable with air |
| Fitting | Harder, with mousse gel and good tools | Easier and quicker |
| Wear | Gets softer over time and then needs replacing | Lasts a long time as long as it does not puncture |
| Suitable for | Hard enduro, racing, rocks and roots | All-round, motocross, mixed use |
In short: if you ride a lot in rocky terrain or do not want to risk a puncture in a race, a mousse is the logical choice. If you want to adjust the pressure for each ride and keep fitting as simple as possible, an inner tube is more practical.
Which X-GRIP tyres are there?
X-GRIP has a wide range of off-road tyres, with separate front and rear tyres. On the SuperENDURO and TOUGH GEAR, the F stands for front tyre and the R for rear tyre. In the X-GRIP tyres collection you will find, among others:
- SuperENDURO-F and SuperENDURO-R
- TOUGH GEAR-F and TOUGH GEAR-R
- DirtDigger, HULKYBOY, JACK the GRIPPER and KING KONG
- Machete, WAVEBREAKER and THE ESCALATOR
- SANDWARRIOR and TRACKWARRIOR
Each model has several part numbers, usually for different sizes. Always choose the size that fits your rim (for example 21 inch front, 18 or 19 inch rear) and check whether the tyre suits your type of riding.
Which X-GRIP mousse is right for you?
X-GRIP mousses have short type codes. In the X-GRIP mousse collection you will find:
- Enduro: EV-0, EV-1, EV-2, EH-1, EH-2 and EH-3
- Motocross: XH-0, XH-1 and XH-2
- Youth bikes: KV-65, KH-65, KV-85S, KV-85L, KH-85S and KH-85L
- Special versions: SSE-1, SSE-2, Supersoft and EXX (EXH-2, individually or as a set)
In the codes, the V usually stands for front (German "vorne") and the H for rear ("hinten"). The mousse must match the size of the tyre it goes into. If you do not know which code matches your tyre, give us the tyre size and we will look it up for you.
There are also the BLOW MOUSSE V2 and the Blow Core high-pressure inner tube, with matching parts such as valve caps, a Blow-Mousse rim lock, screw, spacer and nut set. If in doubt, ask which system and which parts suit your wheels.
Inner tubes, rim tape and valves
If you go for air, X-GRIP has heavy duty (HD) inner tubes in 18, 19 and 21 inch and, for smaller wheels, in 60/100-14, 70/100-17, 70/100-19, 80/100-12, 90/100-14 and 90/100-16. An HD inner tube has a thicker wall, so it is more resistant to pinch flats than a standard inner tube. You will find them under X-GRIP inner tubes.
Always fit good rim tape in the rim so the spoke nipples cannot damage the inner tube. X-GRIP has rim tape for 10-12, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 21 inch. There are also Blowout tyre valves, a valve core puller, a splash guard set for the air valve and rim hole plugs.
Fitting: mousse gel, rim locks and tools
Fitting a mousse takes more effort than an inner tube. Good tools make all the difference:
- Mousse gel: X-GRIP mousse gel, a mousse gel set and YODHA'S MOUSSE JUICE in various pack sizes. Gel helps the mousse slide smoothly into the tyre and reduces friction while riding.
- Fitting fluid: EASY-FIT tyre fitting fluid in 250 ml and 1000 ml, to get the tyre over the rim more easily.
- Rim locks: for rim widths from 1.60 to 1.85 inch and for 2.15 inch, plus separate tower nut sets. A rim lock stops the tyre from creeping on the rim. Choose the rim lock that matches your rim width.
- Tools: X-TREME tyre levers and tyre lever set, the Beadman fitting aid, a fitting strap, mousse drills and the BLOWJOB cordless air pump.
Other X-GRIP parts
Besides tyres and mousses, X-GRIP offers many parts for enduro and motocross. Think of silicone radiator hoses, radiator guards (including Air Force), radiator fan kits, X-TREME skid plates with or without linkage protection, brake disc guards, clutch cover guards and carbon exhaust guards. There are also seat covers, grips, Titan Piranhas footpegs, lifting straps, rims, complete wheels, wheel bearings and wheel spacers. Many of these parts are made per make, model and year, so always check that the item fits your bike.
How to choose in 3 steps
- Determine your rim and tyre size. Look at the sidewall of your current tyre and measure or check the width of your rim. That determines which tyre, mousse, inner tube, rim tape and rim lock you need.
- Choose mousse or inner tube. If you ride hard enduro or race in rocky terrain, choose a mousse. If you want to set the pressure yourself or ride a lot of mixed terrain, choose an HD inner tube.
- Complete the set. With a mousse: mousse gel and good fitting tools. With an inner tube: rim tape and a suitable valve. In both cases, a rim lock that matches your rim width.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for hard enduro: a mousse or an inner tube?
For hard enduro, most riders choose a mousse. A mousse contains no air, so a puncture from rocks, roots or a snakebite is not possible. An inner tube is easier to fit and the pressure is adjustable, but it can puncture.
How do I know which X-GRIP mousse I need?
The mousse must match the size of the tyre it goes into. In the X-GRIP codes, the V usually stands for the front tyre and the H for the rear tyre. If you do not know which code matches your tyre, send us the tyre size.
Do I need mousse gel when fitting a mousse?
Yes, it is strongly recommended. Mousse gel lets the mousse slide into the tyre more smoothly and reduces the friction between tyre and mousse while riding. X-GRIP has mousse gel, a mousse gel set and YODHA'S MOUSSE JUICE.
Why do I need a rim lock?
A rim lock stops the tyre from creeping on the rim, which happens especially at low pressure or with a lot of grip. With an inner tube, a tyre that has crept can tear off the valve. X-GRIP has rim locks for rim widths from 1.60 to 1.85 inch and for 2.15 inch.
What does HD mean on an X-GRIP inner tube?
HD stands for heavy duty. This type of inner tube has a thicker wall than a standard inner tube, making it more resistant to pinch flats. X-GRIP has HD inner tubes in 18, 19 and 21 inch and in various smaller sizes.
How long does a mousse last?
That depends on how and how much you ride. Through use and heat, a mousse gets softer over time. If your tyre feels noticeably softer or less stable, it is time to replace the mousse.
View the full range in the X-GRIP collection. All parts are shipped from the Netherlands. Not sure which tyre, mousse or size you need? Send us a message with the make, model and year of your bike and your tyre sizes, and we will help you choose.