The Moustache Samedi 29 Game 11 2023 – In our huge “Best e-mountainbike of 2023” group test

With the Moustache Samedi 29 Game 11, the French manufacturer enters the race with their flagship eMTB model, which comes equipped with a Bosch Performance Line CX Smart System motor, 750 Wh battery and an in-house shock. Can the € 8,999 Frenchman prove itself against the competition both up and downhill?

**Moustache** Samedi 29 Game 11 | Bosch Performance Line CX/750 Wh | 170/160 mm (f/r)
24.5 kg in size L | € 8,999 | Manufacturer’s website

French manufacturer Moustache are fully committed to the electric cause and offer a wide range of motorised bikes that includes everything from sporty eMTBs to city commuters and even electric tandems! The Samedi 29 Game 11 is Moustache’s most powerful eMTB, a versatile companion for all sorts of missions, from relaxed tours to rowdy trail sessions. For the collectors amongst us, Moustache have released a limited special edition of the Trail and Game series, which feature the new Bosch Performance Line CX Race motor.

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2023 – 30 models in review

In da house – What sets the Moustache Samedi 29 Game 11 apart from the competition?

All Moustache bikes have one thing in common: a robust aluminium frame. While most of the bikes in this test rely on a modern design language, the € 8,999 Moustache Samedi 29 Game 11 boasts a classic frame silhouette with old-school flair – all lovingly dipped in a discreet black paint finish. The weld seams in the head tube area are smoothed out, ensuring a clean look, which unfortunately isn’t the case with the welds on the motor mount and swingarm. Another striking detail is the cable routing: both the brake line and shifter run through the top tube and re-emerge at the transition between the top tube and seat stays. This prevents the cables from kinking but causes them to rattle in rough trail sections. Moreover, the cables disappear into the frame through the top tube, making for a rather crowded cockpit area. Given that Moustache have been Bosch’s development partners for many years, it comes as no surprise that Samedi 29 Game 11 features an 85 Nm Bosch Performance Line CX Smart System motor, which draws its power from a 750 Wh battery. To secure the battery to the frame, the French rely on their own fixation system, employing a simple bolt catch that allows you to remove the battery quickly and easily without the need for tools – awesome! The charging port is easy to access for internal charging, and provided with an additional rubber seal that prevents water from penetrating into the system. A Bosch Kiox 300 display shows the battery charge status and current support mode, but sits right in front of the stem, where it’s exposed to impacts in the event of a crash.

**Deal**
Moustache have been Bosch’s development partner for many years, so it comes as no surprise that the Samedi 29 Game 11 comes equipped with an 85 Nm Bosch Performance Line CX motor.

**Simple and fast**
Moustache’s proprietary battery fixation system relies on a simple thumb bolt, allowing you to remove the 750 Wh battery quickly and easily.

**Easy-peasy**
The Moustache Magic Grip Control air shock might only offer a few adjustment options but is quick and easy to adjust also thanks to the SAG indicator.

Moustache also rely on their in-house solutions for some of the components, including the Magic Grip Control air shock, which controls 160 mm of travel and was designed to ensure perfect harmony between the motor and rear suspension. The shock comes standard with all models in the Game range, from entry-level to top-spec. The few adjustment options and removable SAG indicator make it easy to set up your suspension, whether you’re a beginner or seasoned mechanic. Moustache also produce the carbon handlebars and carbon wheelset in-house. As usual, the French manufacturer relies on MAXXIS tires, fitting grippy ASSEGAIs front and rear. Unfortunately, both tires come in the puncture-prone EXO+ casing and hard MaxxTerra rubber compound. To protect the expensive carbon rims against nasty impacts, we recommend upgrading to more robust tires with the tougher Doubledown casing, which ensures better puncture protection and allows you to run lower air pressures for more traction and better damping qualities. While you’re at it, you should use a front tire with the softer MaxxGrip rubber compound too.

**Elegant solution**
The smooth head tube seams ensure a tidy look. Unfortunately, that’s not the case with the welds around the motor mount and swingarm.

**Fancy**
The brake line and shift cable are routed through the top tube and reappear for a brief moment before disappearing into the seat tube.

Moustache Samedi 29 Game 11

€ 8,999

Specifications

Motor Bosch Performance Line CX 85 Nm
Battery Bosch PowerTube 750 Wh
Display Kiox 300
Fork FOX 38 Factory FLOAT GRIP2 Kashima 170 mm
Rear Shock Magic Grip Control 160 mm
Seatpost Kind Shock LEV INTEGRA 180 mm
Brakes Shimano XT 200/200 mm
Drivetrain Shimano XTR/XT 1x12
Stem Moustache 45 mm
Handlebar Moustache Carbon 780 mm
Wheelset Moustache Carbon 29"
Tires MAXXIS ASSEGAI 3C MaxxTerra EXO+/MAXXIS ASSEGAI 3C MaxxTerra EXO+ 2.5/2.5

Technical Data

Size S M L XL
Weight 24.5 kg
Perm. total weight 140 kg
Max. payload (rider/equipment) 115 kg
Trailer approval no
Kickstand mount no

Specific Features

Toolmount

Tuning tip: More robust tires with tougher Doubledown casing and softer MaxxGrip rubber compound at the front

Comfort miracle – What is the Moustache Samedi 29 Game 11 capable of on the trail?

If you’ve planned a long tour on the weekend, you’re in good hands with the Moustache, because the relaxed, comfortable pedalling position is suitable for long days in the saddle. When climbing on uneven fire roads, the plush suspension allows you to make your way to the trailhead in comfortable fashion. While on steep, rough climbs, the suspension tends to sit quite low in its travel, but the progressive tune prevents it from sinking excessively. This might sound confusing but it’s a quite unique feeling that takes some getting used to. Unlike most conventional shocks, the Magic Grip Control shock doesn’t have a full lockout mode. Instead, the lever on the shock adjusts both the compression and rebound damping depending on the position. Even on steep climbing sections, the front wheel remains planted on the ground and, in combination with the powerful Bosch motor, it makes the Moustache a very decent climber – provided you’re using the closed damping mode.

**Flying carpet**
The comfortable pedalling position and plush suspension make the Moustache suitable for longer rides.

**Give me a break**
The Moustache favours leisurely speeds over Mach 10 bolting and quickly reaches its limits on fast descents.

As soon as you drop into a trail to make your way back down into the valley, the Moustache doesn’t integrate you as deeply into the frame as its opponents. In open corners, you don’t have to actively weight the front wheel and the suspension generates good traction despite the firm rubber compound of the tires. The efficient rear suspension comes at the expense of agility, and as a result, spontaneous direction changes require more physical effort. If you roll through rock gardens at moderate speeds, the plush suspension absorbs impacts reliably, but at higher speeds it reaches its limits and feels undefined, especially with an active riding style. Although the Moustache’s suspension still ranked amongst the best in our last group test, in our 2023 eMTB group test it struggles to match the same excellent responsiveness as its top-tier competitors.

The Moustache Samedi 29 Game 11 convinces with good climbing characteristics, partly thanks to the powerful Bosch motor.

Size	S	M	L	XL
Top tube	590 mm	620 mm	645 mm	670 mm
Seat tube	390 mm	420 mm	450 mm	490 mm
Head tube	100 mm	110 mm	130 mm	140 mm
Head angle	65.0°	65.0°	65.0°	65.0°
Seat angle	76.0°	76.0°	76.0°	76.0°
Chainstays	462 mm	462 mm	462 mm	462 mm
BB Height	350 mm	350 mm	350 mm	350 mm
Wheelbase	1,225 mm	1,257 mm	1,286 mm	1,313 mm
Reach	433 mm	461 mm	481 mm	504 mm
Stack	628 mm	638 mm	655 mm	664 mm

**Helmet** Troy Lee Designs A2 | **Glasses** uvex MTN Classic P | **Hip Pack** Thule Rail 2
**Jacket** Leatt Race Vest | **Jersey** Troy Lee Designs Sprint Ultra
**Pants** Troy Lee Designs Skyline | **Shoes** Five Ten Hellcat Pro | **Gloves** Bluegrass Union

Who should take a closer look at the Moustache Samedi 29 Game 11 and who should look elsewhere?

The Moustache Samedi 29 Game 11 is not a bike for rowdy trail shredders with an aggressive riding style and a penchant for KOM hunts. It’s a good choice for Moustache riders who prefer to take it easy on the trail and want a bike that gobbles up bumps. The powerful motor, comfortable riding position and plush suspension also make it an interesting option for tourers. Old-school nostalgics will love the robust alloy frame and retro look.

Even in open, loose corners, the suspension of the Moustache Samedi 29 Game 11 generates good traction in combination with the grippy tires.

Riding Characteristics

DESIGN

unbalanced
coherent

USER FRIENDLINESS

cumbersome
clever

VALUE FOR MONEY

flop
top

TREKKING & COMMUTING SUITABILITY

low
high

HANDLING

demanding
intuitive

FUN FACTOR

boring
lively

Intended Use

Gravel roads

Technical climbs

Flowtrail descents

Technical descents

Conclusions about the Moustache Samedi 29 Game 11

The Moustache Samedi 29 Game 11 stands out with an old school look and high-quality spec, which also includes several in-house components, like the Magic Grip Control shock. Unfortunately, the suspension limits the bike’s potential on fast descents – there are better alternatives for fast, active riders out there. Relaxed trail riders and tourers will enjoy the powerful motor and comfortable suspension.

Tops

Rear suspension generates plenty of traction
Flying carpet feeling on tours

Flops

Crowded cockpit
Cables rattle in the frame
Undefined rear suspension downhill

You can find out more about at moustachebikes.com

The test field