When you think of the word Moustache, you’ll most likely only think of a manly bit of facial hair instead of an eMTB brand. We don’t blame you! Until now, the French manufacturer has been known and loved only by connoisseurs of the scene. However, as the Moustache Samedi Race 11 proves, that will soon change.

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2018 – 12 dream bikes go head to head

Moustache Samedi Race 11 Review
Moustache Samedi Race 11 | 160/160 mm (f/r) | 21.61 kg | € 8,599

Moustache is a brand that really lives eMTB! You don’t just hear this when talking to the employees; you can also see it on the bikes. The Samedi Race 11 is the French brand’s top- of-the-range model and is packed with exciting details. On the one hand, you have the beautiful carbon frame with its futuristic lines and the smart integrated (but removable) Bosch PowerPack. The battery, typically attached externally, disappears underneath a cover in the downtube. The dimensions are more compact compared to the PowerTube, the fully integrated Bosch battery pack – in this way Moustache achieves an even lower centre of gravity and better weight distribution. Also, Moustache has developed its own components, such as a shock and carbon wheels, all of which have been specially designed to meet the specific requirements of eMTBs. A FOX 36 Factory fork, a RaceFace cockpit, and grippy MAXXIS tyres round off the € 8,599 package. Only the Formula Cura brakes, with their loud squeal and average modulation, cloud the otherwise positive overall impression.

Das Moustache on trails around Sospel

  The traction of the Moustache Samedi Race 11 is outstanding!

Schmeckt nach Carbon … Moustache isst Moustache

All the efforts that the Moustache team put into the bike pay off in practice. The Samedi Race 11 impresses with a very high level of riding comfort and efficiency, even on flat terrain. Once you start going uphill, you’re sat very centrally on the bike, and with the help of the powerful motor and a well-chosen gear ratio you’ll get up the steepest ascents. The rear end provides a great mix of traction and propulsion – it swallows up uneven surfaces and roots, yet still transmits power from the engine and legs efficiently. It is advisable to ride the bike predominantly in Bosch’s eMTB mode, as it allows the assistance levels to be adjusted very finely. There are no surprises on the descents with the Moustache Samedi Race: the plush 160 mm of travel and the harmonious geometry give it a high degree of stability and line confidence. Both the front and rear suspension work very sensitively, only using as much travel as is really needed, which gives you a lot of feedback from the ground. Playful and active riders will be pleased with this very engaging ride quality. Comfort-oriented riders, on the other hand, will enjoy the precise yet composed handling. Through curves, the bike is very agile and well-balanced, which leads to good-natured and predictable handling.

The Moustache Samedi Race 11 in detail

The Moustache Samedi Race 11 in detail

Fork FOX 36 FLOAT Factory 160 mm
Shock Moustache Grip Control Ultimate 160 mm
Motor/battery Bosch Performance CX 500 Wh PowerPack
Drivetrain SRAM X01
Brakes Formula Cura-E
Seatpost Moustache 125 mm
Stem Race Face Atlas 50 mm
Handlebar Race Face SixC Carbon 760 mm
Wheelset Moustache Just Carbon 35 mm
Tires Maxxis Minion DHF/Rekon 2.8″

Ultimate grip
The name of the Ultimate Grip Control shock developed by Moustache is the name of the game.
Well designed
The stylishly integrated (but removable) Bosch PowerPack gives the bike an extra-low centre of gravity.
Convenient
The sag indicator facilitates the setup of the shock. Push the ring up, get on the bike, check. If necessary, deflate or inflate the shock.
The geometry of the Moustache Samedi Race
Range Baby
Moustache combines an EX1 rear derailleur with an 11-speed, 11-50 tooth cassette for even more range and smaller gear steps

The geometry of the Moustache Samedi Race

Size S M L
Seat tube 400 mm 440 mm 500 mm
Top tube 565 mm 600 mm 630 mm
Head tube 100 mm 110 mm 130 mm
Head angle 66.5° 66.5° 66.5°
Seat angle 73.7° 73.7° 73.7°
Chainstays 465 mm 465 mm 465 mm
BB Drop 349 mm 349 mm 349 mm
Wheelbase 1168 mm 1204 mm 1236 mm
Reach 404 mm 436 mm 461 mm
Stack 602 mm 611 mm 629 mm
Helmet Endura MT500 | Jersey Fox Indicator | Short Mavic Crossmax | Shoes ION RAID AMP

Conclusion

The Moustache Samedi Race 11 is by far the best Bosch bike we have ever tested. If you are looking for a top-notch, reliable companion with good handling characteristics, this is it. However, there are better motors on the market.

Pros

– balanced handling
– nice finish with beautiful integration
– outstanding suspension

Cons

– high drag above 25 km/h
– squeaky brakes with average modulation

Uphill Downhill Stability Agility Value for money 


For more info head to moustachebikes.com

The testfleet

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2018 – 12 dream bikes go head to head

All bikes in test: BMC Trailfox AMP LTD | BULLS E-CORE EVO EN Di2 | FANTIC XF1 Integra Enduro 160 | FOCUS SAM² PRO | Giant Full-E+ 0 SX Pro | Haibike XDURO Nduro 10.0 | ROTWILD R.E+ ULTRA | SCOTT E-Genius 700 Tuned | Specialized Turbo Levo S-Works Carbon | Thömus Lightrider E1 – Team Di2 | Trek Powerfly 9 LT Plus


Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of E-MOUNTAINBIKE, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality cycling journalism. Click here to learn more.

Words: Photos: Christoph Bayer,