Moustache Samedi 29 Game 11 FOX – In our huge 2024 e-mountainbike test

As the name suggests, the Samedi 29 Game 11 FOX is something of a departure from the norm for Moustache – rather than using their usual in-house Magic Grip Control shock, it features a FOX FLOAT X Factory air shock. The French alloy bruiser generates 170/160 mm of travel and relies on a Bosch Performance Line CX motor. How did it compare against the competition in our 2024 eMTB group test?

Moustache specialise exclusively in the manufacture of ebikes. Their entire portfolio is named after the French days of the week and includes a comprehensive range of models, from e-city cruisers to e-gravel bikes and eMTBs. Over the years, their eMTB lineup has been based on three pillars: first off, all bikes come with a Bosch motor; the German tech giant has been one of Moustache’s long-term development partners. Secondly, the frames are solely made of aluminium and, thirdly, the rear suspension always relies on Moustache’s in-house Magic Grip Control shock. However, Moustache have now officially broken their third rule of fight club, giving their customers a second choice for the rear shock. Yes, that’s right: now you can order your Moustache with a FOX FLOAT X Factory air shock, albeit at an extra charge.

The Moustache Samedi 29 Game 11 FOX rolls on 29” wheels and generates 170/160 mm of travel, with a Bosch Performance Line CX motor providing a generous breeze of artificial tailwind. The motor delivers 85 Nm of torque, and draws its power from either a 625 Wh Bosch PowerTube battery or bigger 750 Wh model, which costs € 750 more. Our test bike came with the latter, tipping the scales at 24.6 kg in size L, which is slightly above the average in this test. Retailing at € 8,249, the Moustache is the third most affordable bike in this test. But how did it fare against the competition?

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2024 – 27 of the most exciting models in our comparison test

What sets the Moustache Samedi 29 Game 11 FOX apart from the competition?

True to Moustache’s “Keep it simple” motto, the Samedi 29 Game 11 FOX relies on the French brand’s usual alloy frame in a “Black Glossy/Black Mat” paint finish, which makes for an elegant, understated look. The whole thing’s completely black, and not even the brown lettering stands out. The branding is almost completely swallowed up by the dark paint job, while the octagonal downtube starts to look a little outdated. We can’t help feeling that Moustache could have come up with something a little more exciting to stand out from the competition. In addition, the weld seams on the swingarm and motor mounts are right in your face. Old but gold? Unfortunately not! The cable routing makes for a rather cluttered cockpit, with the cables extending all the way around the head tube before finally disappearing into cable ports either side of the top tube. Unfortunately this creates a big cable arch, which results in a rather untidy look. Mounting points on the underside of the top tube allow you to attach a bottle cage or tool mount, but the Moustache is not compatible with Bosch’s bottle shaped PowerMore Range Extender.

For the motor, Moustache rely on a proven 85 Nm Bosch Performance Line CX motor and 750 Wh battery, which can be removed from the down tube without the need for tools. A bayonet lock keeps the battery cover securely in place, while the battery itself is bolted to the inside of the frame with a knurled screw. The charging port is well positioned above the motor, and the small cover holds itself open, making it easy to use. The motor is paired with a Kiox 300 display and somewhat bulky Bosch LED remote, which is positioned awkwardly in front of the handlebars, where it’s at risk of damage if you run out of luck on the trail. A little tip: just turn the holder around!

For the suspension of the Samedi 29 Game 11 FOX, Moustache rely on a top-tier FOX combo, combining a finely tunable 170 mm 38 Factory GRIP2 fork and matching FOX FLOAT X Factory shock, which manages 160 mm of travel at the rear. The fork offers countless adjustment options, while the shock just offers externally adjustable rebound and compression dials. The KS LEV INTEGRA dropper post offers 170 mm of travel, which is average in this test field, and ensures plenty of freedom of movement for a touring bike.

Shimano XT brakes with 200 mm discs provide reliable, powerful deceleration. Shifting is taken care of by a mixed, cable-operated Shimano drivetrain consisting of an XTR rear derailleur and XT shifter/cassette combo, which enables precise shifting. Apart from being slightly heavier, the cheaper XT components don’t bring any disadvantages to the trail. However, the chainstay protector to avoid paint chips.

For the wheels, Moustache rely on their in-house Just Carbon wheelset and, as usual, MAXXIS tires, fitting both wheels with an ASSEGAI in the hard MaxxTerra rubber compound and puncture-prone EXO+. However, heavy and rowdy riders should consider upgrading to the more robust Doubledown casing, which provides more puncture protection and allows you to run lower air pressures for more traction. While you’re at it, you should change to the softer MaxxGrip rubber compound at the front.

Bosch’s eBike Lock allows you to shut down the motor functions when you leave your bike unattended and the Moustache is also compatible with the Bosch Connect module, which lets you track the bike if it gets stolen.

Tuning tip: More robust tires with tougher Doubledown casing for more downhill performance

What is the Moustache Samedi 29 Game 11 FOX capable of on the trail?

Will you still get a magic carpet ride without the Magic Grip Control shock? When you swing your leg over the saddle, the Moustache places you in a comfortable pedalling position, with the plush rear suspension sucking up hits and potholes with great nonchalance, making for a very smooth ride. Needless to say, these are excellent qualities for a touring bike.

The powerful Bosch CX motor packs a punch and pushes you to the trailhead with great eagerness, while the suspension generates plenty of traction, ensuring an excellent climbing performance. The weight is evenly distributed between the front and rear, keeping the front wheel planted on the ground even in steeper sections and thus inspiring huge amounts of confidence while you make your way to the trailhead.

When gravity takes over and the fun part begins, the flying carpet continues to do its job, but this comes with a flip side. While the sensitive, good-natured suspension absorbs even the smallest trail chatter, its plush, undefined character provides very little feedback from the ground. Overall, it’s forgiving and doesn’t blow through its travel unexpectedly but doesn’t provide much support when pumping through flow trail sections. Moreover, the Samedi requires greater physical effort to throw the bike around corners. That said, it still offers far more support than the version with the Magic Grip Control shock which we tested last year.

While the lack of feedback might be a deal breaker for experienced riders, it’s a true godsend for beginners, as is the bike’s forgiving handling. In a nutshell, the Samedi 29 Game 11 FOX makes you feel at ease from the get go, with the long chainstays ensuring a fairly composed riding character. However, this has its flipside on tight, technical trails, where the Moustache feels a little cumbersome. If you’re after a sportier ride, you should take a closer look at our test winner and Best Buy, the Orbea WILD and Canyon Strive:ON.

If you like to know what’s going on under your wheels, the Moustache might not be what you’re looking for.

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

The Moustache Samedi 29 Game combines the ploughing qualities of a downhill bike and the composure of a cruise ship. This makes it an ideal choice for beginners who want plenty of comfort and keep away from rough, technical trails. The Moustache is also a great option for epic backcountry tours with plenty of altitude gain. With its good climbing qualities and excellent traction, it allows you to take a shortcut through the forest on your way to the trailhead. Overall, the Moustache is a great companion if your focus is on long distances and comfort.

Our conclusions about the 2024 Moustache Samedi 29 Game 11 FOX

With its excellent climbing qualities, the Moustache Samedi 29 Game 11 FOX can easily keep up with other bikes in this test, but falls behind with its dated styling. The predictable, intuitive handling makes you feel at ease from the get go, especially for beginners. It’s plush and good-natured on straight trails, but this translates into a cumbersome, wallowy feel when things get tight and twisty. The pedalling position also makes it suitable for touring.

Tops

• Plush, good-natured suspension
• Excellent climber
• Comfortable pedalling position

Flops

• Messy cockpit
• Cumbersome on technical trails
• Little feedback from the ground

For more information, visit moustachebikes.com

The test field

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2024 – 27 of the most exciting models in our comparison test

All bikes in test: BULLS VUCA EVO AM 2 (Click for review) | BULLS SONIC EVO AM SX-I (Click for review) | Canyon Strive:ON CFR LTD (Click for review) | Canyon Torque:ON CF Roczen (Click for review) | CENTURION No Pogo SL R8000i (Click for review) | CUBE AMS Hybrid ONE44 (Click for review) | FLYER Uproc X 8.70 (Click for review) | FOCUS SAM² 6.9 (Click for review) | GASGAS ECC 6 (Click for review) | GIANT Trance X Advanced E+ Elite 0 (Click for review) | KTM Macina Scarp SX Prime (Click for review) | Lapierre Overvolt GLP3 (Click for review) | Merida eOne-Sixty 10K (Click for review) | Mondraker Neat RR SL (Click for review) | Moustache Samedi 29 Game 11 FOX | Orbea WILD M-LTD (Click for review) | Pivot Shuttle AM Team (Click for review) | Propain Ekano 2 CF (Click for review) | RADON RENDER 10.0 HD (Click for review) | ROTWILD R.X 1000 Ultra (Click for review) | Santa Cruz Heckler SL XX AXS RSV (Click for review) | SCOR 4060 ST (Click for review) | SCOTT Voltage eRide 900 Tuned (Click for review) | SIMPLON Rapcon Pmax Pinion (Click for review) | Specialized Turbo Levo SL Expert (Click for review) | Specialized Turbo Levo Pro (Click for review) | Spherik E-SMT XX AXS (Click for review)

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Words: Antonia Feder Photos: Mike Hunger