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French manufacturer Moustache recognised the potential of sporty e-mountainbikes for trail and off-road use at an early stage. In this pioneering role, the Alsatian company has already set a number of trends. For example, the first ever modern mullet wheels (29-inch front, 27.5-inch rear) in the e-bike sector appeared on Moustache bikes. Moustache also set standards in drive integration. Even though the current Moustache Samedi 29 Trail 9 does not roll into the test in a mullet setup but on 29er wheels, it still sets its own accents. With 150 millimetres of travel, it is the all-mountain, all-rounder for trails and tours from the Moustache portfolio. At 7499 euros, the bike is by no means one of the most expensive candidates in the high-end eMTB range. If you want even more, the top model Samedi 29 Trail 11 for 8599 euros offers a few more updates. However, in this test we have focussed on the qualities of the 9 model. In the following lines, you can read how it fared in direct comparison with the competition.
Who builds the best All Mountain E-MTB 2023? We have tested it. Including eleven of the best E-MTBs on the market from Specialized to Cube, Santa Cruz and Rotwild.
The facts about the Moustache Samedi 29 Trail 9
- Motor: Bosch Performance CX, 85 Nm max. torque
- Battery: Bosch Powertube, 750 Wh (classic removable)
- Frame material: Aluminium
- Suspension travel: 150 mm
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Frame sizes: S, M, L XL
- Price: 7499 Euro >> available here
- Weight: 24.4 kg (test bike in size L, EMTB measurement)
Own line, individual development - the special features of the Moustache Samedi Trail
The French from Moustache are not satisfied with standard solutions. For example, the smart integration of Bosch's large 750 power tube is not only particularly space-saving, but also impresses when it comes to handling battery removal. The brand from the Vosges has developed its own battery holders for this purpose. The cover for the charging port was also developed in-house - and is superior to the standard Bosch solution in terms of protection and handling. Moustache goes one step further with the suspension: shocks from industry giants Rockshox or Fox? Not on the Samedi Trail 29, the French call their specially developed shocks Magic Grip Control, all of which come without reservoirs. Moustache claims to have created a particularly high-traction suspension system that is explicitly designed for e-mountain biking in the toughest terrain.
The e-bike drive
With the Bosch Performance CX Moustache relies on what is probably the most widely used E-MTB motor. It combines high performance with reasonable weight. Its very good modulation, the lively and Progressive power development and special features such as the extended overrun in Emtb mode make it the Measuring stick in nasty uphills. All speed levels can be fine-tuned via the app. However, the Bosch is not entirely quiet, rattles when travelling downhill and the large batteries weigh a good 4.3 kilos.
In return, it delivers an extremely good range that puts other systems with batteries of 700 to 750 watt hours in the shade. The Powertube 750 can be easily removed from the front of the down tube on the Samedi 29 Trail. It is not possible to integrate the new Bosch system controller in the top tube of the current Moustache models. Instead, the French rely on the combination of LED remote and Kiox 300. The speed is measured via the Bosch valve solenoid, so there is no need for a separate speed sensor.
The geometry of the Moustache Samedi 29 Trail
Length runs, that's how you could describe the dimensions of the Moustache Samedi 29 Trail in a nutshell. At 1285 millimetres in size L, the wheelbase is very long for an all-mountain e-bike. This is not least due to the equally above-average chainstays of 460 millimetres and the long reach. These three parameters give the bike its stable and good-natured, but not very manoeuvrable character. The steering angle is rather moderate at 65.5 degrees. This gives the bike neutral handling behaviour without tipping the steering. Good for touring and everyday use.
EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size L)
- Seat tube length: 450 mm
- Wheelbase: 1285 mm
- Reach: 484 mm
- Stack: 649 mm
- Steering angle: 65.5 degrees
- Seat angle: 77 degrees
- Chainstay length: 460 mm
The equipment
At 7499 euros, the Samedi 29 Trail 9 is rather affordable among high-end e-mountainbikes. This is not least due to the aluminium frame, which is rather rare in this price range. On the other hand, there is hardly anything to criticise about the equipment. Although there is no exaggerated bling-bling, the parts on the Moustache are really top in terms of functionality. The gears and brakes come from Shimano's XT range and deliver solid function and good modulation and power. The French also dig deep into their pockets for the suspension fork: Fox 36 Factory with 150 millimetres of travel. The Maxxis tyres with EXO+ casing offer a good balance of puncture protection and decent weight. The Assegai profile is fitted here at the front and rear. This tyre is otherwise rarely seen at the rear. The bike is steered via a lightweight carbon handlebar, which is rather narrow at 760 millimetres. A wider model would be desirable, as it is easier to shorten a handlebar than to make it wider.
Practical test: How the Moustache Samedi Trail 29 rides
On tour
The Moustache Samedi Trail 29 prioritises riding comfort. The rear suspension is very sensitive, the narrow handlebars promote a comfortable posture and the riding position is balanced rather than overly front-heavy. This means that even on long flat sections, the slim Alsatian is relaxed and without too much pressure on the wrists. Bosch's Smartsystem with the large Powertube 750 gives the bike a really powerful range. Long tours are no problem. The battery can also be removed quickly. Charging in the hut or switching to a second battery - this is also possible with the Moustache Samedi 29 Trail at any time. However, the extra-long Powertube 750 does not fit in the rucksack.
Uphill
The aim of generating extra comfort and massive traction with your own shock is fully realised on the uphill. You hover over root carpets and steep steps as if on a cushion of air. Thanks to the long chainstays, the front wheel always stays in contact with the ground and even steep stretches lose their terror. And that's despite the fact that the riding position is somewhat rear-heavy on steep terrain. The riding feel takes some getting used to, as the rear suspension is very soft and not very defined in the SAG range. Nevertheless, on steep and technical climbs, the Samedi 29 Trail is one of the strongest in our group test.
Downhill
The downside: the Samedi is rather sluggish on twisty, angled trails, the rear end gives little feedback from the ground and the rider's energy is lost in the suspension. There is also a lot of pressure on the front. This is a great advantage when cornering with a more passive riding style, but makes it difficult for active riders to lift the front. On demanding descents, we were confident on the Samedi Trail 29, but with the handbrake clearly applied. This feeling is supported by the narrower 760 mm handlebars. The bike also scores points on descents thanks to its uncomplicated character. The traction is also really strong here and the bike remains easy to control even without professional riding technique.
The EMTB conclusion
Thanks to its comfortable and stable design, the only aluminium bike in the test is recommended for pleasure bikers who prefer to tour comfortably and safely rather than chasing the best times on trails. A very confident climber. Fair price, long range, top motor. The weight is top for an aluminium bike with a 750 power tube.
Pro
- Strong climbing properties
- High ride comfort
- Easy to control with a passive driving style
Contra
- Sluggish and ponderous
- Little defined rear suspension
- Narrow handlebars
Technical data and notes Moustache Samedi 29 Trail 9
Manufacturer information
- Price: 7499 Euro
- Sizes (seat tube) / frame material: S, M, L (tested size 45 cm), XL / aluminium
Measured values²
- Weight²: 24.43 kg
- Reach altitude¹: 2060 (+31)hm
- Average speed: 13.9 km/h
- Front/rear suspension travel: 150/150 mm
- Centre of gravity height: 525 mm
- Handlebar width: 760 mm
- Crank length / Q-factor: 165 mm / 188 mm
- Ground clearance⁴: 494 mm
Equipment
- Motor: Bosch Performance CX Smart
- Max. Torque³: 85 Nm
- Battery³ / weight²/ price replacement battery: Powertube 750 / 4304 g / 999 Euro
- Gear system: Shimano XT/SLX
- Translation (v. / h.): 34; 10-51
- Display: Bosch Kiox 300
- Permissible total weight³: 140 kg
- Fork / shock: Fox 36 Float Factory Grip2 / Just Magic Grip Control 150
- Telescopic seatpost: Kind Shock Race, 170 mm
- Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear): Shimano XT / 203 mm / 203 mm
- Wheels: Moustache Just Alloy, Mavic hubs
- Tyres: Maxxis Assegai Exo+ MaxxTerra, 29 x 25
EMTB test rating⁵: 8.3 points - very good
¹The reach height was determined during standardised test rides on an asphalt climb with a gradient of 12.2 percent. Highest support level, 150 watts pedalling power of the rider, rider weight including equipment 89 kg. The altitude metres in clearly reduced emergency mode are shown in brackets. The average speed refers to the journey with full assistance.
²Determined on the test benches in the EMTB test laboratory, weight without pedals. Battery weight incl. screwed-on cover where applicable.
Manufacturer information
⁴Stage test, measured with 36 centimetre raised rear wheel
⁵The EMTB judgement reflects the subjective impression of the testers and the results of the reach measurement and laboratory tests. The EMTB judgement is independent of price. EMTB judgements: super (from 9.0), very good (from 8.0), good (from 7.0), satisfactory (from 6.0), with weaknesses (from 5.0), below insufficient.
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
