Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7

The Samedi 29 Game is available in a total of five variants (Game 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11). The entry-level Game 3 starts at € 5,399, while the top model Game 11 is priced at € 8,699. There are also just as many variants of the Samedi 29 Trail, which offers a little less travel and is therefore a bit more suitable for daily use.

Our test version comes with a 625 Wh and 750 Wh battery and the Moustache Magic Grip Control shock or, as shown here, the Fox Float X Performance shock.
The complete Samedi line-up also includes models like the Samedi 27 Weekend, which runs off the assembly line as an SUV with massive, off-road-ready mudguards, lighting, and bicycle rack.

Tech Specs

At first glance, our Moustache Samedi Game 7 appears rather modest, almost inconspicuous. On closer inspection, however, interesting details are revealed, such as the specially developed, bolted battery mount, the partly polished, partly visible but always flawlessly crafted welds, the top tube-mounted bottle cage, the internal cable routing, or the sophisticated flap for the charging port.

After such first inspections I like to look for small hints, clues, with the help of which I try to get an idea of how much love and passion for detail went into the production, i.e., assembly. Is the chainstay protector a wobbly, shapeless piece that was rather carelessly heaved over the stay, or – as in the case of Moustache – does it sit perfectly snug on the stay like cast-on. Also worth mentioning: While some of the big manufacturers include generic manuals with their bikes, which often raise more questions than give answers regarding specific problems, the Moustache Samedi manual is well-structured, immaculately translated, shows many model graphics, and above all, it goes into specific details.

By closer inspection of the frame, it becomes clear that a lot of attention to detail went into its creation. The cables were perfectly cut and bundled for a tidy looking cockpit. The grips are perfectly placed, all parts, as far as we can see, were mounted with the appropriate torques, assembly pastes, or were lubricated: And so, the Samedi 29 is a small counterargument to some high-end carbon parts that may shine from a distance but often fail due to poor assembly.

Geometry

After a brief look at the fork and the 20-mm front brake disc, it finally becomes clear that a little wolf might hide in sheep’s clothing here – at least a wilder beast than we first assumed. The other component choices also go well with the pragmatic but sophisticated concept of the bike.
While with most eMTB manufacturers, I always blindly reach for a size L frame, in this case the M-sized frame fits my body height of 180 cm well. Seat- and head angles are not too progressive, but at 65° and 76° they are a very good compromise for a bike of this calibre.

What I struggled with the most was the Bosch LED Remote. Even though I get the intention behind enabling the rider to adjust everything with a remote control, for me personally, there are just too many buttons in too confined a space.
Especially when the weather is cooler, operating it with gloves feels like operating a wristwatch clockwork with wrenches. I would much prefer the new Mini Remote with a battery level indicator on my Garmin Edge.
The spoke magnet is a matter of taste; what’s important is that, in case of need, the valve on the tube is long enough. Also, with the new Bosch Smart System, the charging plug changed and is no longer compatible with old chargers.

The second point of criticism is the relatively high weight. While the large battery and the superb suspension compensate for much of it, in some situations, those extra kilos are noticeable. In push mode, when lifting the bike onto the rear carrier of your car or over obstacles lying across the track, but also in drops or jumps: a bike of this weight sometimes requires physical strength.

The Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7 is not a delicate prima ballerina dancing pirouettes on its toes. It is rather a prime example of a solid and straightforward bike construction focusing on the essentials.

This applies to both the production of the frame and the in-house components (wheels, stem, handlebars, etc.), constructive details like the cover of the charging port or the bolting of motor and battery. But it also applies to the choice of components and, last but not least, their highly professional assembly. The Bosch Smart System with all its perks, the Shimano groupset with a 220-mm front disc, great Maxxis tires, as well as the finely tuned Fox suspension contribute to a becoming mix that I had a lot of fun with on the trail.

In my opinion, minor points of criticism are the somewhat fiddly Bosch LED Remote (I would prefer a Mini Remote in combination with the Kiox display) and the rather high overall weight, which, however, is compensated by the solid battery range and downhill performance.

Overall, I am positively surprised by the Samedi 29 Game 7. I could imagine this bike extremely well as a bike for photo tours and everyday use, for the daily commute to work or for running errands and quickly and casually covering a few hundred meters of altitude offroad in the evening. A bike that rocks the bike park on weekends or easily conquers a thousand meters of altitude or more on a long tour with photo equipment.

The perfectly tuned Fox suspension is the icing on the cake for me... the little wolf in sheep’s clothing, so to speak.