New 2025 Moustache Clutch – A Belt-Driven, Pinion MGU Powered, Alloy E-Mountainbike in Review

Moustache present the new Clutch – a rugged aluminium e-mountainbike with 170 mm of travel up front, 160 mm at the rear, mullet wheels, and a removable 780 Wh battery. The stand-out feature? The Pinion MGU (Motor Gearbox Unit), completely eliminating the need for a traditional derailleur. But can this setup actually deliver on the trail? And how does the new Clutch perform in demanding conditions? We put it to the test to find out!

French brand Moustache are no strangers to the e-bike world – from balance bikes and eSUVs to aggressive eMTBs, the brand’s portfolio covers it all. After relaunching the Moustache Game earlier this spring, they’ve now unveiled their next big project: the new Clutch.

The new bike was first seen last year at Eurobike – disguised as a prototype, given the working title Project Box 46. Now, the 27.4 kg Pinion-powered bike officially hits shop floors as the Clutch. Priced at € 9,999, we’ve already had the chance to put this new gearbox e-bike through its paces in Freiburg.

The New 2025 Moustache Clutch in Detail

The Moustache Clutch was developed from the ground up and its silhouette stands out from the brand’s familiar e-mountainbike range. The shock is positioned parallel to the top tube and actuated by a four-bar linkage. The rear triangle is slender and clean – thanks to a complete lack of rear derailleur and cassette.

One thing that you’ll immediately notice is the large housing for the motor, which is where the bike’s true innovation lies: the Pinion MGU combines the motor and gearbox into a single, sealed unit, protected from the elements. The motor itself delivers 85 Nm of torque and up to 600 watts of power, mounted to the frame at a slight angle, resulting in an expansive bottom bracket area. The fully integrated yet removable 780 Wh battery in the downtube is supplied FIT. To remove the battery, you simply open the motor cover – tool-free thanks to a bayonet closure – and unscrew a single bolt. After that, the battery slides out of the bottom of the downtube. Moustache have also included a small storage pouch for a spare tube and tyre levers just above the battery, which is a nice touch. If you want to charge the battery in the bike, the charging port is located on the right side above the motor.

Handy: The tool needed to remove the battery is neatly integrated into the steerer tube. The Stash multi-tool from Granite is always at hand and stays rattle-free. However, it consists of several parts, so you’ll need to be careful not to lose anything when you’re out on the trail.

Neatly integrated into the top tube of the Moustache Clutch you’ll find the Master Node Display, boasting a colour screen. You’ve got three buttons to operate the system: the top on/off button, and the two lower buttons to switch between support modes or toggle different display views with a long press.

The twist control of the FIT Remote Pure on the handlebar is reminiscent of the familiar Fazua Ring Control remote, but feels noticeably more premium.The remote’s power cable is routed neatly through the headset, whereas all other cables are routed into the frame via cable ports – a big plus for easy maintenance.

There’s another clever detail in the seatpost clamp, housing a taillight that’s connected directly to the main battery. The cable for the light is hidden inside a groove in the aluminium frame.

A small rear fender protects the frame from dirt and debris, and a slim chainstay protector keeps things quiet – although, thanks to the lack of a derailleur and the use of a belt drive, there’s no chainslap anyway. The Gates belt is tensioned by a preloaded pulley wheel right behind the motor, taking up slack as the rear linkage cycles through its travel.

For those who prefer a more traditional setup: Moustache also offers an optional conversion kit to run a classic chain. A chain requires a bit more maintenance and the occasional drop of lube, but it can be repaired with a standard chain tool and quick link.If the belt snaps out on the trail, however, you’ll have to push your bike home.

The Spec of the 2025 Moustache Clutch 160.9

The Moustache Clutch 160.9 on test is the flagship build and costs €9,999.The overall spec is solid, although there are some minor weaknesses, particularly when it comes to the dropper post.

For the suspension, Moustache rely on a full RockShox setup consisting of a highy adjustable, 170 mm travel ZEB Ultimate fork and a Vivid Ultimate Air shock, managing 160 mm travel at the rear – equally tunable and geared towards aggressive riders.
While the KS LEV Integra dropper post performs reliably, it offers just 150 mm drop, which limits your freedom of movement considerably – especially for a modern e-mountainbike with this much travel.

For braking duties, Moustache choose the Magura Gustav Pro, which offer a good lever feel, tool-free reach adjustment, and solid braking performance via 200 mm rotors front and rear. That said, you’ll need strong fingers to keep your speed in check on long descents.

There’s no traditional drivetrain to be found. Instead, the Pinion MGU takes over, offering 12 electronically shiftable gears, allowing you to shift while stationary or under load.It also offers a semi-automatic Pre.Select mode, which selects the most appropriate gear while coasting. If that wasn’t enough, the new Auto.Shift.Pro mode fully automates gear selection based on your chosen cadence. However, the system isn’t perfectly refined just yet, especially on steep climbs – but more on that later.

For grip, the Clutch runs MAXXIS Assegai tyres front and rear – both featuring the soft MaxxGrip rubber compound and the tough DoubleDown casing – fitted to a Mavic alloy mullet wheelset. The tyre choice is ideal for heavy, aggressive riders, even in wet conditions.For a more moderate riding style and less frequent replacements, you could swap the rear tyre out for the slightly harder MaxxTerra compound. In total, the bike weighs in at a hefty 27.4 kg.

Tuning tip: Upgrade to a longer dropper post.

The Different Spec Variants of the 2025 Moustache Clutch and the Clutch SUV

Moustache offer the new Clutch in two other build variants: the Clutch 160.7 and the 160.8. All three builds feature the 12-speed Pinion MGU and a 780 Wh battery, with a €1,000 price difference between models.

The Clutch 160.7 starts at € 7,999 and relies on a simpler RockShox suspension setup. Up front, you get a 170 mm travel Domain R fork, paired with a Super Deluxe Select shock, offering 160 mm damping at the rear. Since they offer limited adjustability, their performance on the trail typically isn’t on par with the higher-end models. The wheels are sourced in-house by Moustache, and instead of a belt drive, this model uses a classic chain for cost reasons, unlike the two pricier versions. Stopping is handled by Magura MT5 brakes. Tire-wise, the front end rolls on a MAXXIS Assegai with the EXO+ casing, whereas the two models above this are equipped with the more robust DoubleDown option. As a result, the more affordable Clutch 160.7 weighs slightly less at 26.9 kg – about 500 g lighter than the top-spec version.

The Clutch 160.8 comes in at € 8,999 and is significantly closer to the top-end model in terms of spec. You get a belt drive, a RockShox ZEB Select fork, and a Vivid Select shock. The large air chamber of the shock is designed to maintain consistent performance even on long descents. The tires are also upgraded on the 160.8 as both wheels are shod with MAXXIS Assegai rubber featuring the DoubleDown casing and grippy MaxxGrip compound – just like the flagship model. The Magura MT5 brakes provide reliable stopping power.

In addition to the trail models, Moustache also offer the Clutch SUV 150.7, a fully equipped eSUV version. On this model, the travel has been reduced to 150 mm front and rear. Standard features include mudguards, front and rear lights, and a rear pannier rack. The eSUV model is clearly aimed at comfort-seeking commuters and touring riders, priced at € 8,299.

The Geometry of the New Moustache Clutch 160.9

The Moustache Clutch is available in four sizes from S to XL, covering a wide range of riders. The reach spans 435 mm in size S up to 504 mm in XL. Our size M test bike has a reach of 460 mm. There are no flip chips or any other geometry adjustment options to be found on the Clutch. The head angle sits at a slack 64.2°, while the seat angle is a steep 77°. As is typical for Moustache, the chainstays are relatively long at 450 mm despite the mullet setup with a smaller rear wheel, and they remain the same across all frame sizes.

Size	S	M	L	XL
Seat Tube	370 mm	400 mm	430 mm	460 mm
Top Tube	580 mm	607 mm	631 mm	657 mm
Head Tube	100 mm	110 mm	130 mm	140 mm
Head Angle	64.2°	64.2°	64.2°	64.2°
Seat Angle	77.0°	77.0°	77.0°	77.0°
Chainstay	450 mm	450 mm	450 mm	450 mm
BB Drop	349 mm	346 mm	349 mm	349 mm
Wheelbase	1224 mm	1253 mm	1282 mm	1310 mm
Reach	435 mm	460 mm	480 mm	504 mm
Stack	625 mm	637 mm	652 mm	660 mm

On the Trail: The New Moustache Clutch 160.9 in Review

On the climbs, the Moustache Clutch immediately shows its comfortable side: the riding position is upright and pleasant, clearly geared towards long-distance touring. The powerful Pinion MGU motor delivers ample support, comparable to a Bosch Performance Line CX or other “regular” full-power units. However, climbing doesn’t feel quite as effortless as it does with the DJI Avinox system. One thing to note: the stated 85 Nm torque output is a theoretical figure, as the MGU doesn’t have a direct 1:1 gear ration at which torque is usually measured.

The previously mentioned Auto-Shift mode is ideal when cruising along flatter sections to the trailhead. You could ride with an ice cream in one hand, no problem. That said, while the bike shifts reliably, it can’t anticipate steep climbs. Sudden inclines or technical sections quickly bring the system to its limits as it doesn’t shift down into an easier gear fast enough. As such, it’s better to shift manually in technical terrain.

When you do, the Clutch reveals its strengths on technical climbs: the front wheel stays reliably planted, and the MGU’s overrun has been greatly improved thanks to a recent software update. This is a big help when overcoming obstacles with limited crank clearance. However, one annoyance when climbing is the noise. The motor is loudest in the easiest four gears, moderately loud between gears 5–8, and quietest in the heaviest gears. This is due to how the gearing and motor speed are divided. Between gears 4–5 and 8–9, the gearbox performs a double-shift, which you can hear and feel, as there’s a brief dead in the crank’s rotation. If you’re pedalling hard and shift at this moment, you’ll feel a quick jolt through your legs. On the upside, the belt drive is low-maintenance, needs no lubrication and doesn’t leave your fingers dirty. The GMU itself only requires an oil change every 10,000 km – perfect for high-mileage riders and year-round bikers who regularly encounter mud and rain.

When you head downhill, you will feel at one with the bike, positioned safely behind the tall cockpit. The Clutch feels impressively composed and offers tons of traction on rough trails, aided both by its considerable weight and the reduced unsprung mass of the rear wheel thanks to the lack of derailleur and cassette. The faster things get, the more the Clutch shines. In tight, technical sections, however, it requires a fair amount of effort to weave around obstacles and execute quick line changes.

The Moustache Clutch clearly isn’t a flowtrail rocket, nor a playful jibbing machine. The suspension lacks the pop required to get the bike airborne or flick it around the trail. Its hefty 27.4 kg weight also plays a major role here and demands serious effort for an active riding style. This is underlined by the bike’s low centre of gravity, keeping the bike nicely planted and in control. On flatter, less demanding trails, the Clutch feels somewhat underwhelmed, so you might get bored if things aren’t rough enough.

Who Is the 2025 Moustache Clutch 160.9 For?

The Moustache Clutch is aimed at fast, high-mileage riders who want a low-maintenance package. If minimal wear, low maintenance and maximum reliability are your top priorities, this bike is spot on. Thanks to the Pinion MGU and belt drive, a lot of the usual maintenance work is eliminated. The concept makes even more sense on the SUV version, which comes equipped with mudguards, a full set of lights, and rear pannier options, as the low-maintenance drivetrain is perfect for commuters and adventure riders. However, trail acrobats and playful jibbers who just want to session the trails better look elsewhere. The Clutch demands a lot of rider input and feels sluggish on less demanding trails.

Helmet IXS Trigger | Glasses Oakley Sutro | Jacket Troy Lee Designs Ruckus
Jersey Troy Lee Designs Tech Longsleeve | Pants Troy Lee Designs Skyline Superlite
Shoes Crankbrothers Mallet E Speedlace

Our Conclusions on the 2025 Moustache Clutch 160.9

The Moustache Clutch is a highly composed, confidence-inspiring, gearbox driven eMTB that excels on fast, rough terrain. The Clutch feels like it’s glued to the ground. However, due to its weight and plush suspension, it takes a lot of rider input to make it come alive on flatter, more playful trails. For high-mileage riders and those who prefer riding their bike rather than maintaining it, the Pinion MGU and belt drive combo will keep them smiling – a low-maintenance bike built for demanding riders.

For more info, visit moustachebikes.com

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Words: Julian Schwede Photos: Pia-Sophie Nowak, Valentin Laroche, Julian Schwede