Moustache Samedi 29 Game 4 in review

Moustache have paid a lot of attention to the details on the Samedi 29 Game 4, developing many of their own solutions. In typical Moustache-fashion even the entry-level bike features the same high-quality shock as the top of the line Samedi 29 Game. Read on to find out what the € 4,999 Samedi 29 Game 4 is capable of with its Bosch Performance CX motor!

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French bike brand, Moustache rely exclusively on Bosch for their motors and have redesigned almost all of the models in their 2020 range. The Samedi 29 Game is a completely new model in the French brand’s lineup and it’s their flagship bike in terms of travel and downhill performance. At € 4,999, the entry-level Moustache Samedi 29 Game 4 features a high-quality aluminium frame and weighs a total of 24.35 kg, representing the test field’s average. Moustache have done an excellent job of integrating the Bosch Performance CX system into the frame. The 625 Wh battery is easy to remove from the down tube, it doesn’t rattle when installed and the speed sensor is securely integrated into the dropout. The bulky Purion display doesn’t quite match the otherwise slim looking in-house cockpit, though we couldn’t fault its functionality.

As usual, Moustache choose to rely on their proprietary Magic Grip shock, which has been developed in-house. With its large air chamber, it offers 160 mm travel on the Samedi 29 Game 4 to match the 160 mm RockShox 35 Gold fork. The French brand have chosen grippy 29” MAXXIS Assegai tires and a set of powerful Shimano four-piston brakes to rein the bike in. Shifting is taken care of by SRAM’s entry-level SX Eagle drivetrain, the performance of which isn’t up to par with the NX Eagle or Shimano SLX drivetrains of the competition.

Geometry of the Moustache Samedi 29 Game 4

On level terrain, the riding position is immediately comfortable. In combination with the sensitive rear suspension, the Mustache is a pleasure on long rides, providing all-day comfort. Unfortunately, the RockShox 35 fork clouds the otherwise positive impression on rough gravel roads, passing more impacts on to the rider then any other fork in test.

As with almost every Moustache we’ve ridden, we have to ask ourselves how they get the rear suspension to work so well. It performs like an absolute dream!

Size	S	M	L	XL
Seat tube	380 mm	420 mm	460 mm	500 mm
Top tube	570 mm	600 mm	625 mm	650 mm
Head tube	100 mm	110 mm	130 mm	140 mm
Head angle	65.7°	65.7°	65.7°	65.7°
Seat angle	74.2°	74.2°	74.2°	74.2°
Chainstays	460 mm	460 mm	460 mm	460 mm
BB Height	356 mm	356 mm	356 mm	356 mm
Wheelbase	1,177 mm	1,209 mm	1,236 mm	1,264 mm
Reach	400 mm	427 mm	448 mm	470 mm
Stack	611 mm	621 mm	635 mm	648 mm

Moustache Samedi 29 Game 4 on test

In a nutshell, the Mustache Samedi 29 Game 4 is an impressive climber. Although tall riders tend to sit further towards the back of the bike, the front wheel stays planted even on really steep inclines. Working together, the rear suspension and tire are able to generate tons of grip, allowing you to stand up and pedal over wet roots and loose ground without fear of spinning out. The only thing to slow you down is the front wheel getting caught up on larger obstacles. With a more sensitive fork, the Samedi 29 Game 4 would be the best climber on test.

The Mustache Samedi 29 Game 4 has only one problem: the RockShox 35 fork limits the performance and potential of this otherwise lovingly designed bike!

On flowing downhills, the compact geometry of the Samedi 29 Game 4 makes for very agile handling that is easy to control and a lot of fun. The rear suspension sticks to the ground but still provides enough feedback from the trail and enough mid-stroke support to pump the bike and get it airborne. However, your hands will start to hurt on longer trails. Once again, it’s the fork that slows down the Moustache. On rough trails, the imbalance in grip between the front and rear wheels is evident. That’s too bad, because other than that the weight distribution on the bike is very balanced, making it easy to handle in open corners and on grippy surfaces. The Mustache Samedi 29 Game 4 makes a very promising impression both on the climbs and descents. With a more sensitive and defined fork, the Moustache could be “best in test”.

Tuning tips: Upgrade the fork or buy the better-specced Samedi 29 Game 6 instead!

Conclusion of the Moustache Samedi 29 Game 4

The Mustache Samedi 29 Game has a lot of potential! The integration of the entire Bosch system is exemplary and the performance of the rear end is top notch. While the Samedi 29 Game 4 is easy to control and tons of fun on maintained, flowing trails, the RockShox 35 quickly has you scrubbing off speed on the descents. We recommend resorting to the € 600 more expensive Moustache Samedi 29 Game 6 instead. It’s only around € 100 over the budget of this group test and comes with a FOX 36 Performance fork.

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For more information head to moustachebikes.com

The test field

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All bikes in review: CENTURION No Pogo E R2600i (Click for review) | CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC (Click for review) | Haibike XDURO AllMtn 3.0 (Click for review) | Moustache Samedi 29 Game 4 | RADON RENDER 10.0 (Click for review) | Scott Genius eRIDE 920 (Click for review) | Specialized Kenevo Comp (Click for review) | Trek Rail 7 EU (Click for review)

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Words: Photos: Finlay Anderson