Project Box 46 - this was the name of the prototype that Moustache exhibited at Eurobike 2024. Even back then, it was easy to recognise that the French company had teamed up with motor and gearbox manufacturer Pinion.
The allies presented the final product to us almost a year later at a press camp in Freiburg. The former prototype now goes by the name of Clutch 160, has an aluminium frame with 160 millimetres of travel and rolls on Mullet wheels - in other words, according to the facts, a grown-up E-Enduro. According to Moustache itself, the Clutch is designed for demanding trails and should provide maximum riding fun with minimum maintenance.
Also good: The new Clutch will also be available as an independent SUV model with 150 millimetres of suspension travel at the front and rear. Prices for the Clutch 160 range from 7999 euros to 9999 euros. There will only be one model of the Clutch 150 SUV bike for 8299 euros. All models will be available from June 2025.
The Moustache Clutch at a glance
- Field of application: Enduro
- Drive: Pinion MGU E1.12
- Battery: 780 watt hours, removable
- Spring travel: 170/160 mm
- Wheel size: 29 inch front / 27.5 inch rear
- Frame material: Aluminium
- Three variants: 7999, 8999, 9999 Euro
- Weight: from 27.9 kilos
- Four frame sizes: S / M / L / XL
- Two colours: dune, slab grey
- Special features: Tool in the head tube, integrated rear light, tool bag on the battery, stand-alone SUV model for 8299 euros
Carefree package: Pinion MGU drive
Speaking of E: The centrepiece and probably the most important selling point (USP) of the Moustache Clutch is Pinion's so-called Motor-Gearbox-Unit, or MGU for short. With the unit consisting of a powerful motor (85 Newton metres) and twelve-speed gearbox, the clutch gets rid of the chain, sprocket set and rear derailleur, the components most prone to wear and damage.
Instead, a carbon toothed belt from Gates converts the motor power into propulsion. It couldn't be simpler. The encapsulated gearbox only needs to be filled with new oil every 10,000 kilometres. Depending on the use case, the belt should last just as long. It's a shame that the French are sticking with the MGU drive on the entry-level Clutch 160.7 model, but the expensive Gates belt has to make way for a KMC chain.
The motor is installed rotated so that the 780 watt-hour battery sits as low as possible in the down tube. This gives the Clutch a lower centre of gravity, which improves handling. We are already familiar with this "trick" from Moustache from the current Game models.
Battery and controls
Moustache equips the Clutch with a specially developed 780 watt-hour battery that can be pulled downwards out of the closed down tube. A smart feature that we are also familiar with from the Game models: A small tool bag is attached to the top end of the battery to hide a tube or other spare parts in the frame.
A compact remote called "Fit Remote Pure" is used for operation directly on the handlebars. The Fit Master Node display is neatly integrated into the top tube and displays all conceivable riding data, from speed and battery status to cadence, depending on the configuration.
Traditional impeller concept
Moustache combines a 29-inch front wheel with a 27.5-inch rear wheel on the Clutch. The so-called mullet wheel mix (29/27.5-inch) is something of a tradition for the French brand. In 2016, Moustache was the first label to launch an e-mountainbike with a wheel size mix. The Mullet configuration is designed to combine the advantages of both wheel sizes: Rollover behaviour and smooth running at the front, agility and manoeuvrability at the rear.
Equipment variants and geometry
Due to the expensive MGU system, prices start at 7999 euros - despite the aluminium frame and basic components. The higher-quality equipment variants cost 8999 and 9999 euros. The geometry of the Clutch is designed for maximum downhill fun. The slack steering angle of 64.2 degrees, the long 450 mm chainstays and the impressive reach create a super smooth ride and encourage top speeds. On tricky climbs, the 77-degree seat angle plays into your hands. It positions the rider far forward on the bike so that you have no trouble keeping the front wheel on the ground on the Cluch, even on the steepest ramps.
How the Moustache Clutch 160 rides
A 77-degree seat angle, 450 mm chainstays and 600 per cent bandwidth - the combination of the climbing-friendly geometry and the super-smooth climbing gear means that the Moustache Clutch can scramble up any climb, no matter how steep.
Also good: gear changes are successful with the MGU both when stationary and under maximum load. Unfortunately, we were unable to get used to the shift delays with the double-shift and the loud grinding noises from the gearbox during the short press camp.
Downhill, the Clutch feels like it's on rails. You can immediately feel that the unsprung mass on the rear wheel is lower than with a conventional drive. Why? The rear suspension reacts ultra-sensitively, especially to small bumps, and thus generates super traction.
On high-speed sections, the long geometry can handle a lot of speed. Thanks to the central and low centre of gravity of the motor and battery, the Clutch is relatively easy to handle even on narrow trails. However, there is no question of a pronounced playfulness.
Max Fuchs
Editor
