Emblazoned across the top tube of the new Moustache Samedi 27 Race 9 are the words ‘Just Carbon.’ Evidently a not-so-subtle hint at the material choice for the frame, we’ve put this high-end carbon E-MTB from the French company to task.
Moustache enjoy a desirable position thanks to their propensity for well-groomed bikes that ride superbly. The French team now proclaim that they’ve taken things even further on their new models for 2017 while staying true to a certain motor manufacturer. Visually, the bike looks brilliant, sporting a stylish look and low centre of gravity thanks to the nice integration of the Bosch PowerPack in the split downtube. Removing the battery is a simple matter of removing a plastic cover. The top-of-the-range bike costs € 6,799 and comes with 160 mm of superb travel. Its spec is assured and comfortable, although there’s perhaps some room for improvement. Take the e-bike-specific FOX 36 Performance fork – a great choice, but it comes with a fairly budget damper that can’t track the ground as well as the better quality Factory model that most of the competition have chosen. However, the SRAM Guide RE brakes and SRAM X01 shifters are tip-top. Particularly when it comes to E-MTBs, wheel choice is a hot topic: fortunately, Moustache’s own-brand wheels came out unscathed from our testing. The central and slightly stretched-out riding position on the Samedi Race is so comfortable that you reckon you could ride for hours without complaint.
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The Bosch motor features the regular levels of pedal assist and delivers the same great acceleration. The bike comes out of the box with an 11–46 cassette, a 14-tooth front chainring, and a mega-effective rear end, so you’ll get up double-digit gradients with ease. The Samedi 27 Race is a super-balanced ride, and nails the seesaw between stability and agility. Despite its 160 mm of travel, there’s no hint of inefficiency or wasted energy. The Samedi thrives on a bit of airtime, and its rear suspension is incredibly capable of absorbing all manner of hits – easily outperforming the stock FOX 36 Performance fork.
The Moustache Samedi 27 Race 9 in detail
Forks FOX 36 FLOAT E-Bike Performance 160 mm
Rear shock RockShox Monarch Plus RC3 DebonAir 160 mm
Motor / battery Bosch Performance CX 500 Wh
Brakes SRAM Guide RE
Drivetrain SRAM X01
Seatpost Moustache Teleskopsattelstütze
Stem Moustache Alu 50 mm
Bars Moustache Alu 760 mm
Tires Maxxis Rekon+ 2,8″
Wheels Moustache 35 mm
Optimised for e-bikes, the FOX 36 FLOAT fork is satisfyingly firm. However, the damping is no rival for the higher quality Factory models.
The best suspension is no good if it isn’t set up correctly. This indicator simplifies the process of adjusting the negative travel, aka its sag.
Moustache deliberately skipped the new SRAM EX1 groupset, instead picking an X01 drivetrain with a special 11–46 tooth cassette.
The battery for the Bosch motor has been stylishly hidden under this unobtrusive plastic cover.
Conclusion
Flaunting familiar French chicness, the Moustache Samedi 27 Race 9 brings superb handling and transfers its assured and efficient performance from the rear end to the trail. Unfortunately, we’d be quick to suggest that more thought went into the carbon frame than the spec.
Strengths:
– Superb finish and great integration
– Very balanced handling
– Great rear-end performance
Weaknesses:
– Fork can’t keep up with the rear
– High price
For more information head to offiziellen Website des Herstellers!
For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: What are the most exciting E-MTBs of 2017? 10 bikes in comparison
All bikes in test: Bulls Six50 E FS3 | Cannondale Moterra 1 | CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 HPA 27.5 SLT | MERIDA eONE-TWENTY 900 E | Moustache Samedi 27 Race 9 | ROTWILD R.X+ FS EVO | SCOTT E-Genius 700 Tuned | Specialized Turbo Levo FSR ST Comp 29 | Stevens E-Whaka+ ES | Trek Powerfly 9 FS Plus
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