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 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.
The traction of the Moustache Samedi Race 11 is outstanding!
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
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″
The name of the Ultimate Grip Control shock developed by Moustache is the name of the game.
The stylishly integrated (but removable) Bosch PowerPack gives the bike an extra-low centre of gravity.
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.
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 |
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
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Words: Photos: Christoph Bayer,
