Moustache Samedi 29 Trail 8 in review – A special shock for a special eMTB

The Moustache Samedi 29 Trail 8 is incredibly exciting! It’s the only bike on review that comes equipped with a proprietary shock, developed in-house by the French manufacturer. But did the unique suspension, low price and wide range of applications convince our test team and, if so, was it enough for the Moustache Samedi 29 Trail 8 to secure our coveted Best Buy?

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2021 – 25 models in review

**Moustache** Samedi 29 Trail 8 | Bosch Performance Line CX/625 Wh | 150/150 mm (f/r)
23.68 kg in size L | € 6,399 | Manufacturer’s website

Moustache bikes and Bosch motors go together like gin and tonic. With the exception of a balance bike for kids, the portfolio of the French manufacturer is made up entirely of ebikes. The € 6,399 Samedi 29 Trail 8 relies on a powerful Bosch Performance Line CX motor which churns out 85 Nm torque and draws its power from an internal 625 Wh battery integrated into the down tube of the elegant aluminium frame. The integration of the drive system is faultless. But Moustache are proving to be just as cheeky as they are clever, combining the Bosch speed sensor with a brake rotor developed for Shimano systems – and it works a treat! Among the most striking features of the Samedi 29 Trail 8 are the “reversed” bottle cage-mount on the underside of the top tube and the 150 mm travel rear end with its unconventional shock. The chainstay drops low enough to prevent chain slap, even without a protector.

The suspension of the Moustache makes for a very special spec

Together with Santa Cruz, Moustache are the only manufacturer in this test to rely on a mixed suspension setup, with the fork and shock coming from different brands. The French brand combines a 150 mm FOX 36 GRIP2 fork with its in-house Magic Grip Control shock, which is designed specifically for the rear end of the Samedi to match its intended application. The sag indicator makes setting up the shock a lot easier. Moustache have also designed and produced the 760 mm carbon cockpit and rims in-house. These are laced on Shimano XT hubs, which, unfortunately, gave us some trouble during the test: at random intervals, the freehub emits an annoying noise. On the other hand, Shimano’s four-piston XT brakes with 200 mm rotors work a treat. Unfortunately, the “XT” drivetrain is a little misleading because Moustache combine an XT derailleur with a cheaper SLX shifter, which works fine but doesn’t have the multi-release function (two gear downshifts) of the higher-end model. The 2.5” MAXXIS ASSEGAI tires help the bike’s outstanding grip but their thin EXO casing is too puncture prone for aggressive and heavy riders, requiring high air pressures to prevent pinch flats and rim strikes.

**Magic Carpet**
The Magic Grip Control shock, which was developed in house by Moustache, is tuned to match the kinematics of the Samedi. The result: excellent traction and comfort, both up- and downhill.

**Top grip, terrible puncture protection…**
The 2.5” MAXXIS ASSEGAI tires generate good traction in all conditions and help the Samedi to shine uphill. Unfortunately, with the thin EXO casing, punctures are inevitable.

**Thought though to the smallest detail**
Moustache have even modified the clamp of the Purion display to allow for a snugger fit and better positioning above the Shimano brake clamp. Here the display is easier to reach from the handlebars.

Moustache Samedi 29 Trail 8

€ 6,399

Specifications

Motor Bosch Performance Line CX 85 Nm
Battery Bosch PowerTube 625 Wh
Display Bosch Purion
Fork FOX 36 Factory GRIP2 150 mm
Rear Shock Moustache Magic Grip Control 150 mm
Seatpost KS Rage-i 100–170 mm
Brakes Shimano XT M8120 200/200 mm
Drivetrain Shimano XT/SLX 1x12
Stem Moustache 60 mm
Handlebar Moustache Just Carbon 760 mm
Wheelset Moustache Just Aluminium 29"
Tires MAXXIS ASSEGAI EXO 2.5"

Technical Data

Size S M L XL
Weight 23.68 kg
Perm. total weight 150 kg
Max. payload (rider/equipment) 126 kg
Trailer approval yes
Kickstand mount yes

**Deceptive**
Moustache combine an expensive XT rear derailleur with the cheaper SLX shifter. That’s a shame, because the other way round, you could achieve superior shifting performance and take advantage of the multi-release function. The weight difference is marginal.

**Reversed cage**
The Moustache also has space for a bottle cage, turned upside down, under the top tube. When it comes to side-entry bottle cages, keep this in mind: right-handers will need a holder for left-hand removal and vice versa.

**Bosch meets Shimano**
Just like Canyon and ROTWILD, Moustache use a Shimano brake rotor with an integrated magnet, but combined it with the Bosch motor: great stuff!

For the 23.68 kg Samedi 29 Trail 8, Moustache deliberately picked a conservative geometry. At 452 mm (size L), the reach is the shortest in the entire test field and the 74.7° seat angle is noticeably slack. Chainstays are 460 mm across the board and significantly influence the character and handling of the bike, but more on this later. On long rides, the Moustache Samedi 29 Trail 8 is pure luxury. Both the riding position and comfort provided by the suspension and tires are unparalleled in this test. Only the SIMPLON Rapcon and CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 with their high-tech solutions can keep up with Moustache’s excellent tourer.

Size	S	M	L	XL
Seat tube	380 mm	420 mm	460 mm	500 mm
Top tube	571 mm	600 mm	626 mm	651 mm
Head tube	100 mm	110 mm	130 mm	140 mm
Head angle	66.2°	66.2°	66.2°	66.2°
Seat angle	74.7°	74.7°	74.7°	74.7°
Chainstays	460 mm	460 mm	460 mm	460 mm
BB Drop	n/a mm	n/a mm	n/a mm	n/a mm
Wheelbase	1,173 mm	1,205 mm	1,233 mm	1,260 mm
Reach	404 mm	432 mm	452 mm	475 mm
Stack	608 mm	618 mm	636 mm	645 mm

**Helmet** POC Kortal | **Glasses** 100% Glendale | **Jacket** Vintage | **Jersey** Carharrt Wips tee
**Pants** Jeans | **Shorts** Jeans | **Kneepad** POC Joint VPD System Knee

The Moustache and its special shock on the trail

Whether it’s on forest paths, fun trails or technical sections, the Moustache Samedi 29 Trail 8 is unbeaten in this test – as long as you’re riding uphill. Despite the comfortable, slightly rear-heavy riding position, it’s always fun, easy to control and predictable, even through tight hairpin turns. The long chainstays ensure good traction for the front wheel, no matter how steep the trail is. As a result, the Samedi follows steering input more accurately than any other bike on test. Thanks to the excellent and sensitive suspension, even technical, slippery and demanding trail sections feel almost like a smooth fire road. The Moustache doesn’t shy away from big drops and ledges either. Regardless of whether you’re riding seated or out of the saddle, the rear wheel never spins out when negotiating steps, ledges or obstacles.

It’s truly impressive how easily the Samedi 29 Trail 8 masters corners and technical sections: on this bike, everyone will feel at ease in no time.

Tuning tip: XT shifter with multi-release function

While the Moustache is a true climbing master, it struggles to keep up with the SCOTT Ransom eRide downhill, especially on flowing trails with berms, rollers and jumps. The main reason for this is the special shock tune, which doesn’t offer enough support, causing the rear to sink into its travel and swallowing a lot of the rider’s input. Aggressive and sporty riders can improve this by running the shock with less sag. Put differently, the Moustache sticks itself to the ground and beginners and ambitious riders alike will benefit from precisely this feature when riding on demanding, technical terrain. Just like the climbs, downhill the Moustache generates tons of grip and takes the edge off nasty root carpets and open corners, even on loose surfaces. The Samedi 29 is intuitive and easy to ride even if you’re not a pro. Downhill, the long chainstays make for a balanced weight distribution and ensure sufficient traction for the front wheel. With bigger hits at faster speeds, for example, riding at the bike park, the compact geometry slows you down and restricts freedom of movement on the bike.

Riding Characteristics

Agility

sluggish
playful

Stability

nervous
stable

Handling

demanding
balanced

Riding fun

boring
lively

Motor feeling

digital
natural

Motor power

weak
strong

Value for money

poor
top

Application

Forest road

Flow trail uphill

Flow trail downhill

Technical single trail uphill

Technical single trail downhill

Downhill tracks

Conclusion

As far as traction and comfort go, the Moustache Samedi 29 Trail 8 is unbeaten in this test. Beginners, alpine explorers and tourers planning to venture on trail adventures won’t find a better overall package at this price. Unfortunately, the sluggish handling doesn’t suit flowing trails, jump lines and fast downhill tracks, where the SCOTT Ransom eRIDE comes out clearly on top. As a result, the Moustache Samedi 29 Trail doesn’t win the battle for the coveted Best Buy award.

Tops

predictable handling
best climber in test
excellent value for money

Flops

lacks liveliness/feels sluggish
riding position is too compact at high speeds
noticeable Bosch rattling noise and irritating, intermittent freewheel noise

You can find out more about at moustachebikes.com

The test field