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Bike Check: Custom-built Moustache Samedi 27/9 Race 5

21.12.2016

by Manne Schmitt

EWS Finale Moustache Samedi Race 5 12 2000x500

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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’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.

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.

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

Words & Photos: Manne Schmitt

About the Author

Manne Schmitt
Authorized Officer

Manne Schmitt is a Procurator at 41 Publishing, contributing a wealth of methodological expertise from his career as a Chief Analyst for a state authority. This background ensures the journalistic depth of his research, and the acquisition of exclusive news for E-MOUNTAINBIKE, ENDURO, GRAN FONDO, and DOWNTOWN. Active in cycling since 1989, he combines operative test support with administrative responsibility, strengthening the quality of editorial processes. The world of racing remains a passion; no one on the team knows the EDR professionals better than Manne.

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