The Moustache J was presented for the first time at the 2023 Eurobike trade fair in Frankfurt and made an immediate impression. The innovative, two-piece frame with full suspension is a real eye-catcher. In 2019, co-founder Emmanuel Antonot thought about what his dream bike would look like and let his imagination run wild. After three years of development, three models of the Moustache J can be presented this year: The J.on for everyday urban use, the J.all for all terrains and the J. off for sporty use.
Moustache J - Made in France
The French company Moustache was founded in 2011, so it is still a relatively young company. From the very beginning, sustainability was at the top of the company's specifications. The company also wanted to prioritise creating jobs in France. This was achieved with the new development of the J-frame, which is the company's first frame to be produced 100 per cent in France. Getting there was not easy, the expertise first had to be adapted. After three years of development, Moustache can now proudly present the founders' "dream bike".
The J-frame - created using the gravity casting process
The bike market is huge. There are many manufacturers offering countless models. Nevertheless, Moustache has managed to set itself apart from the competition with its new J at first glance. The newly developed frame, consisting of just two parts, is a real eye-catcher. The frame was created using what is known as gravity casting. This process has not previously been used in bicycle frame construction. Using this technique, it was possible to develop a cast hollow body that accommodates all parts of the electric drive, while retaining the rigidity that an e-bike frame must guarantee. However, this production method comes at the cost of a high weight of 33 kilos. In this process, the wall thicknesses cannot be made as thin as with aluminium tubes, which are then welded.
This gives the frame a seamless and elegant appearance. Inside, the frame shape is reinforced with struts. There is sufficient space in the frame tubes for the battery and a Bosch Connect module for anti-theft protection.
The cables also disappear for the most part in the innovative frame of the Moustache J. The Bosch Performance Line motor with 75 Nm torque is integrated into the rear frame suspension. This means that there are no more fluctuations in the chain or belt tension. As a result, the energy (both your own and that of the motor) is transferred efficiently to the rear wheel.
On the Moustache J.on and J.all models, a continuously variable Enviolo hub with belt works smoothly and silently. The sporty J.off is powered by Shimano Cues 11-speed derailleur gears.
The Moustache e-bike has comfortable suspension
In addition to the design, the developers focussed on the function of the Moustache J e-bike. When configuring it, they paid particular attention to comfort. The Moustache Magic Grip Control shock can be adjusted to the rider's body weight and is designed to cushion even the roughest of bumps. At the front, a Suntour air suspension fork irons out bumps. The full suspension is supported by the comfortable saddle, which sits on a telescopic seat post that can be operated from the handlebars. The ergonomic Moustache handlebars and adjustable stem ensure a comfortable, upright riding position at all times.
Safe from thieves
An important detail for the developers is the integrated theft protection: every Moustache J is equipped with the eBike Lock and the eBike Alarm via the Bosch ConnectModule integrated in the frame. In the event of theft, the lock blocks the motor from starting and can only be reactivated via the smartphone. The eBike Alarm is a GPS tracker that enables the bike to be located at any time. In the event of theft, this alarm emits an acoustic signal. It is activated as soon as the eBike is switched off. In addition, each Moustache J is labelled with a QR code (sorry: Moustache code), which the potential finder of a lost J can use to contact the owner anonymously.
Many tests are said to have led to the customer being able to configure the e-bike to be as low-maintenance as possible. Above all, the integration of the cables and the Gates belt instead of a classic bicycle chain should contribute to low maintenance.
For those who are not satisfied with the Moustache J's equipment, there is also the option of customising the bike: Many variants are possible with different colours, equipment, accessories and other detailed adaptations.
Premiere award for the Moustache J
The Moustache J was presented for the first time at this year's Eurobike trade fair in Frankfurt and made quite an impression: the new e-bike was honoured with the "Eurobike Gold Award 2023". Here is the Eurobike jury's statement on the reasons for the award:
With the J., Moustache presents an innovative, full-suspension e-bike that not only promises maximum riding comfort, but also impresses aesthetically with its clean, finely crafted aluminium frame design with no visible weld seams. Full suspension has often been neglected in recent years, especially in the everyday bike sector. This makes it all the more pleasing to see how well the J. rides with its two-piece frame and neatly integrated motor and battery. The fact that the e-bike comes with a refreshing visual lightness despite its high level of riding comfort is another aspect that speaks in favour of the great design concept behind it.
First driving impression of the Moustache J.on
We can confirm the Eurobike jury's impression of the Moustache J.on. The frame is cleanly finished, with no welded seams and no annoying cables. The battery and motor are also inconspicuously integrated into the exciting design of the two-part frame. For the first test ride, however, the bike had to climb a flight of stairs from our test cellar. The filigree design bike suddenly became a heavy monster. You don't want to carry the impressive 33 kilos that the bike weighs into the cellar every day. Anyone buying the bike should think carefully about whether they can find a suitable place to store it at home.
As soon as you start the e-bike motor via the now familiar Bosch control unit, the heavy weight is immediately forgotten. The continuously variable Enviolo gears in combination with the belt drive once again impress with their silent riding pleasure. You can quickly reach speeds of 25 km/h and more, even in Eco mode. The shock absorber and fork reliably eliminate potholes and cobblestones. On gravel paths, the wide Schwalbe tyres roll safely and smoothly, further contributing to the high level of riding comfort. When braking hard, the bike does not lose its stability, even if the braking distance is not exactly short due to the weight...
Moustache J: the available variants
The Moustache J.on city e-bike in detail
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line Smart System, 75 Nm, integrated
- Battery: Bosch PowerTube 500Wh or 625Wh Smart System, integrated and removable, optional Bosch PowerMore 250Wh
- Display: Bosch Kiox 500 with large screen, Bosch LED remote handlebar control, Bluetooth for access via smartphone (GPS function, mode customisation, etc.) + optional Bosch SmartphoneGrip holder
- Security package: eBike Lock and eBike Alarm functions (subscription required) via the Bosch ConnectModule integrated into the frame. Moustache Code labelling: permanent next-generation labelling (unique number + QR code)
- Suspension forkSR Suntour Mobie 25 LOR, 100 mm, lockable
- Damper Moustache Magic Grip Control shock absorber with 2 positions (with or without load), 115 mm travel
- Circuit: Enviolo TR continuously variable hub gears, 380% gear ratio / Gates belt
- Tyres: Large-volume Schwalbe Super Moto-X, 27.5 x 2.4 with puncture-proof reinforcement
- Seat post: Lowerable with handlebar control
- Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes, 180 mm at the front and 160 mm at the rear
- Lighting: Trelock 100 Lux, integrated with adjustable alignment
- Mudguards: Double-walled aluminium sheets
- Luggage carrier: Minimalist with removable side holders for QL3 bags
The Moustache J.all all-round e-bike in detail
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line Smart System, integrated, 75 Nm
- Battery: Bosch PowerTube 500Wh or 625Wh Smart System, integrated and removable + optional Bosch PowerMore 250Wh
- Display: Bosch Kiox 500 with large screen, Bosch LED remote handlebar control, Bluetooth for access via smartphone (GPS function, mode customisation, etc.) + optional Bosch SmartphoneGrip holder
- Security package: eBike Lock and eBike Alarm functions (subscription required) via the Bosch ConnectModule integrated into the frame. Moustache Code labelling: permanent next-generation labelling (unique number + QR code) to irrefutably assign owner and bike
- Suspension fork: SR Suntour XCR 34 Air, locking fork, 120 mm travel /
- Damper: Moustache Magic Grip Control shock absorber with 2 adjustment options (with or without load), 115 mm suspension travel
- Circuit: Enviolo TR continuously variable hub gears, 380% gear ratio, Gates belt, or Shimano CUES 11-speed derailleur gears (11 x 50), trigger shifter,
- Tyres: Schwalbe Johnny Watts 27.5 x 2.6, with puncture protection reinforcement and reflective stripes. Versatile tread with grip and efficiency on the road, with a wide cross-section for comfort
- Seat post: lowerable, with handlebar control
- Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes, 180 mm front and rear
- Lighting: Trelock 100 lux, integrated with adjustable alignment
- Mudguards: Double-walled aluminium sheets
- Luggage carrier: Suspension luggage carrier with MIK HD system for quick and direct attachment of accessories, baskets and compatible child seats, also with QL3 side mounts. 27 kg payload
The Moustache J.off sports bike in detail
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line Smart System, integrated, 75 Nm
- Battery: Bosch PowerTube 500Wh or 625Wh Smart System, integrated and removable + optional Bosch PowerMore 250Wh
- Display: Bosch Kiox 500 with large screen, Bosch LED remote handlebar control, Bluetooth for access via smartphone (GPS function, mode customisation, etc.) + optional Bosch SmartphoneGrip holder
- Security package: eBike Lock and eBike Alarm functions (subscription required) via the Bosch ConnectModule integrated into the frame. Moustache Code labelling: permanent next-generation labelling (unique number + QR code) to irrefutably identify owner and bike
- Suspension fork: Marzocchi Z2 Air, hydraulic, lockable, 130 mm travel
- Damper: Moustache Magic Grip Control shock absorber with 2 adjustment options (with or without load), 115 mm suspension travel
- Circuit: Shimano CUES 11-speed derailleur, 11 x 50
- Impellers: 29" Just_Moustache rims, Maxxis Rekon 29 x 2.4
- Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes, 203 mm at the front and 180 at the rear
- Lighting: / Trelock 100 lux, integrated with adjustable alignment
All Moustache J models will be available in stores from 6 September 2023.
Lukas Niebuhr
Working student
