When we first spotted this custom-built E-MTB from the French brand Moustache stalking the trails down in everyone’s favourite mountain biking hotspot Finale Ligure, we couldn’t draw our gaze away from it. Built around the Moustache Samedi 27/9 Race, this is one bike that has taken a sidestep from its original form.

This Moustache Samedi 27/9 Race 5 is used for carting the kids around in a bike chariot as well as having fun on the trails around this bit of Italian coastline.
This Moustache Samedi 27/9 Race 5 is used for carting the kids around in a bike chariot as well as having fun on the trails around this bit of Italian coastline.

We were perplexed: why would someone bother to custom this irrefutably well-specced Moustache and its DVO Diamond forks? What kind of a rider was this? Our questions were answered as its owner, Andrea Balli, headed over to us and introduced himself as the co-manager of the Italian distribution label 4Guimp, which specializes in bikes. He was quick to offer that he’d pimped his own personal E-MTB with parts that he actually sells in Italy – and ones that have already proven themselves in the competitive environment of the Enduro World Series. He uses his Moustache Samedi 27/9 Race 5 to have fun on the trails and transport his kids when he attaches a bike chariot.

Sharp and linier, the toptube on Moustache’s E-MTB bears its specific model name.
Sharp and linier, the toptube on Moustache’s E-MTB bears its specific model name.
Andrea has kitted his cockpit out with Chromag’s red anodized aluminium Fubars OSX.
Andrea has kitted his cockpit out with Chromag’s red anodized aluminium Fubars OSX.
The Chromag Squarewave grips are slightly rounded in the mid-part of the grip. Andrea has also added a fairly understated bell for day-to-day usage.
The Chromag Squarewave grips are slightly rounded in the mid-part of the grip. Andrea has also added a fairly understated bell for day-to-day usage.
The AVC Racing hand protectors are constructed to keep your hands safe from stray thorn bushes while riding.
The AVC Racing hand protectors are constructed to keep your hands safe from stray thorn bushes while riding.
Designed in California, the DVO Diamond 160 mm forks aren’t just visually at the top of their game, they also perform brilliantly.
Designed in California, the DVO Diamond 160 mm forks aren’t just visually at the top of their game, they also perform brilliantly.

Andrea has indulged his Moustache Samedi with a 160 mm of travel from a DVO Diamond fork. Head here to see how this model fared in the ENDURO Magazine group test.

Andrea swapped the stock cranks in favour of the TRS model from E*thirteen.
Andrea swapped the stock cranks in favour of the TRS model from E*thirteen.
In the name of rigidity, E*thirteen designed their TRSr carbon wheelset with an oversized flange on the hub.
In the name of rigidity, E*thirteen designed their TRSr carbon wheelset with an oversized flange on the hub.
Andrea went for a sturdy Chromag Lynx DT saddle on his bike. The seattube is also home to a mount to attach the bike chariot.
Andrea went for a sturdy Chromag Lynx DT saddle on his bike. The seattube is also home to a mount to attach the bike chariot.
Andrea’s Moustache Samedi sports carbon TRSr rims from E*thirteen and his rear wheel has the Italian-designed DeanEasy system in a bid to increase the puncture resistance. On the front wheel, Andrea has fitted the new Huck Norris protective band, which is designed specifically to prevent pinch-flats.
Andrea’s Moustache Samedi sports carbon TRSr rims from E*thirteen and his rear wheel has the Italian-designed DeanEasy system in a bid to increase the puncture resistance. On the front wheel, Andrea has fitted the new Huck Norris protective band, which is designed specifically to prevent pinch-flats.
The E*thirteen TRS+ 9–44 cassette has recently been on test at ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine.
The E*thirteen TRS+ 9–44 cassette has recently been on test at ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine.
Purpose-built for enduro riding, the E*thirteen TRSr carbon wheels and E*thirteen TRSr tires have a fairly lightweight but sturdy casing with a sticky triple rubber compound.
Purpose-built for enduro riding, the E*thirteen TRSr carbon wheels and E*thirteen TRSr tires have a fairly lightweight but sturdy casing with a sticky triple rubber compound.
Andrea Balli, the proud owner of his custom-built Moustache Samedi 27/9 Race 5, on the beach in Finale Ligure.
Andrea Balli, the proud owner of his custom-built Moustache Samedi 27/9 Race 5, on the beach in Finale Ligure.

For more information about the Moustache Samedi head to moustachebikes.com


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Words & Photos: Manne Schmitt

About the author

Manne Schmitt

As the proud father of Robin and Max-Philip, Manne has been there from the start and is the wise elder of the editorial team. He won his first cycling race in elementary school at a school sports day. After less successful attempts at football, he found his passion for cycling via endurance racing in 1989! The world of racing still consumes him and no one in the team knows the EWS pros better than Manne. As a former head analyst of a state agency, he knows how to do proper research and finds exclusive news that no one else has. He supports his sons in day-to-day business dealings as the authorised signatory for 41 Publishing – viva la familia!