Moustache Samedi 27 Off 2 Open review

The French brand’s step-through bike looks like an eMTB and it’s also the lightest and most affordable bike in the test, priced at only €2,899. We put it to the test to find out how the Moustache Samedi 27 Off 2 Open performs on moderate terrain and whether it can compete with the best in the test.

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best off-road step-through bike of 2020 – 10 models tested head to head

**Moustache** Samedi 27 Off 2 Open | Bosch Performance Line/500 Wh | 100/0 mm (f/r)
22.9 kg (Size M) | € 2,899 | Manufacturer’s website

With its bright paint job and clean lines, the Samedi 27 Off 2 Open fits perfectly into the French brand’s portfolio, which has been completely overhauled for 2020. The centre of gravity of the integrated Bosch PowerTube 500 Wh battery is kept low, yet the lock is positioned high up. This has a positive effect on handling and at the same time the battery is easy to remove from the top of the downtube once you’ve unlocked the plastic cover. Handily, that means you don’t have to park the bike near a power outlet to recharge it. Moustache rely on Bosch’s good-natured and easy-to-control Performance Line motor, which delivers 65 Nm torque. Unfortunately, Bosch’s smart eMTB mode will have to be installed by your dealer as the firmware isn’t installed as standard. The motor is nicely integrated, the internal cable routing doesn’t rattle and the Samedi 27 Off 2 Open is very quiet overall. The step-through section is low, making the bike comfortable to mount and dismount. However, if you have big feet, the narrow opening means you’ll have to turn them slightly to get through. Moreover, attach a water bottle and the ease of stepping through is completely gone as you have to lift your foot almost as high as you would if there were a top tube.

The cockpit is made up of a 70 mm stem, 680 mm handlebar and Bosch Purion display: it looks tidy and offers an eMTB-like feel. The SR Suntour XCM ATB fork features a coil spring, providing 100 mm travel and little comfort. It can hardly be adjusted to the rider’s weight and it regularly bottoms out with riders from 85 kg and up. Together with the underpowered Shimano MT200 brakes, paired with a 180 mm rotor up front and 160 mm rotor on the rear, the spec isn’t suitable for the bike’s 127 kg maximum payload. Neither the fork nor the brakes are designed to handle that much weight. The Moustache Samedi 27 Off 2 Open is the lightest step-through bike in the test field, weighing only 22.9 kg, but it doesn’t come with a side stand, mudguards, a rack, or a lock and it’s the only bike without lights or adapters for lights. If you want to make it suitable for everyday use, Moustache offer the necessary accessories and you should have a enough budget remaining since this is the most affordable bike in the test at € 2,899. Alternatively, we recommend taking a closer look at the Moustache Samedi XROAD Open: it’s based on the same frame as the Samedi 27 Off 2 Open, but it comes equipped for everyday practicality.

**Doesn’t suit the bike**
The SR Suntour XCM-ATB fork is easily overwhelmed and it can’t be adjusted accurately enough to the rider’s weight. It’s too firm for some and much too soft for others, which limits the bike’s performance.

**Two in one**
The battery lock is conveniently positioned high up on the down tube and the battery can be easily removed. At the same time, the centre of gravity has been kept low – excellent!

**On the seat tube, seriously?**
With a water bottle attached to the seat tube, this can no longer be considered a step-through bike.

**Save on the brakes and you save on safety**
The combination of a weak brake and a 160 mm rotor is unacceptable on an eMTB! Especially when the maximum payload is 127 kg.

Moustache Samedi 27 Off 2 Open

€ 2,899

Specifications

Motor Bosch Performance Line 65 Nm
Battery Bosch PowerTube 500 Wh
Display Bosch Purion
Fork SR Suntour XCM ATB 100 mm
Rear Shock mm
Seatpost Moustache Federsattelstütze - mm
Brakes Shimano MT200 180/160 (v/h) mm
Drivetrain Shimano Deore 1x10
Stem Moustache Aluminium 70 mm
Handlebar Moustache Aluminium 680 mm
Wheelset 27.5
Tires Maxxis Forekaster 2.35

Technical Data

Size S, M, L
Weight 22.9 kg
Perm. total weight 150 kg
Max. payload (rider/equipment) 127 kg
Trailer approval yes
Kickstand mount yes

**Comfort for your backside**
The suspension seat post isn’t exactly sexy but it’s comfortable. Moustache designed the frame with internal cable routing for a stealth dropper post, so it’s ready for an upgrade.

**10–40**
The 10–40 t range of the 10-speed SunRace cassette limits the bike’s climbing capabilities.

**Excellent choice**
The 2.35” wide MAXXIS Forekaster tires suit this step-through eMTB well.

**What about everyday life?**
The Samedi 27 Off 2 Open isn’t specced with a stand, mudguards, rack or lights. However, Moustache have made the necessary preparations and you can retrofit everything you need for everyday practicality.

**Without eMTB mode**
Unfortunately, the Bosch Performance Line touring motor on the Moustache step-through eMTB doesn’t come with the eMTB mode installed as standard and it’s less powerful than its big brother, the Bosch Performance Line CX.

**Helmet** MET Roam | **Hip Bag** Patagonia Black Hole | **Shoes** ION Raid II
**Pants** Patagonia Dirt Craft | **Jacket** Patagonia Dirt Roamer

Das flinke und wendige Moustache ist potenzielle eine Spaßmaschine – dem günstigen Preis entsprechende Komponenten verhindern, dass das volle Potenzial des Bikes ausgenutzt wird.

Aboard the Moustache, you immediately feel comfortable. The riding position is perfectly suited to touring, offering enough comfort for long days in the saddle. The suspension seat post provides sufficient cushioning for light impacts, though it can’t compete with the best in the test. Unlike the BULLS, the 363 % gear range of the 10-speed drivetrain limits this eMTB since the Bosch Performance Line motor isn’t powerful enough to get you up steep off-road climbs easily. Unfortunately, with the Moustache you have to admit defeat early on.

The handling of the French brand’s step-through eMTB is agile and precise. Due to its lively character, the Moustache invites you to play with the terrain and is sure to put a smile on your face. Unfortunately, your smile is unlikely to turn into a laugh, as you’ll be limited by the poor performance of the fork and the brakes which waste a lot of the bike’s potential. However, we’re also aware that this is the most affordable bike in the test.

Tuning-Tipp: 10-fach-Kassette mit leichteren Gängen oder kleineres Kettenblatt vorne | Bosch eMTB-Modus aufspielen

Conclusion

The Samedi 27 Off 2 Open is a good looking entry-level eMTB that is fairly priced and a lot of fun on moderate terrain. Moustache saved money on the motor, fork, drivetrain and brakes, wasting the potential of a fast and precise eMTB and reducing its value for money. Riding it in the city will make the most of its agile handling, but you’ll have to mount at least a set of lights to make it suitable for everyday use.

Tops

looks great
agile handling
fun in moderate terrain

Flops

climbing performance limited uphill by the motor/drivetrain
position of the bottle cage
fork and brakes

For more info head to: moustachebikes.com

The test field