×
Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7

Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7

18.01.24 18:06 713Text: Erwin Haiden
Erwin Haiden

Größe: 180 cm
Schrittlänge: 85 cm
Gewicht: 73 kg
Fahrstil/-können: Gemütlicher Allround-Mountainbiker, gerne auch knackig bergab

Rennrad & Gravel: Das Abenteuer steht im Vordergrund

Klicke für alle Berichte von Erwin Haiden
(translated by Carola Felchner)
Fotos: Michael Meindl (Action), Erwin Haiden (Studio)
The newcomers in Austria surprise with a highly refined, well-manufactured, versatile, and relatively conservative bike by Moustache standards.18.01.24 18:06 1.416

Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7

18.01.24 18:06 1.416 Erwin Haiden
Erwin Haiden

Größe: 180 cm
Schrittlänge: 85 cm
Gewicht: 73 kg
Fahrstil/-können: Gemütlicher Allround-Mountainbiker, gerne auch knackig bergab

Rennrad & Gravel: Das Abenteuer steht im Vordergrund

Klicke für alle Berichte von Erwin Haiden
(translated by Carola Felchner)
Michael Meindl (Action), Erwin Haiden (Studio)
The newcomers in Austria surprise with a highly refined, well-manufactured, versatile, and relatively conservative bike by Moustache standards.18.01.24 18:06 1.416

Since last year’s Salzkammergut Trophy, where Moustache made its Austrian debut as part of the Expo, the French manufacturer has been making its presence known in the Alpine republic. There are now several dealers who offer bikes of this relatively young brand from the Vosges.
The brand name, however, does not stem from the stereotypical French upper lip beard, but from the same-named, characteristically curved handlebars, which the bike brand reinterpreted to create its first distinctive feature.

At Eurobike trade show, the visually radical J. off and its variants caught our eye first, followed by the hybrid or SUV bikes with massive, off-road-ready mudguards and accessories.
Now we got one of the French bikes for some test rides for the first time: the Moustache Samedi 29 – visually more conventional than the aforementioned, but technically and in terms of details, no less elaborate.
Before delving into the facts and riding experiences, let’s first explore some historical information about the brand.

 Guidons Moustache 

{Salvador Dali . Gary Fisher . Fahrradlenker}
  • Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7
  • Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7
  • Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7
  • Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7
  • Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7
  • Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7
  • Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7

Historical Background

With the appearance of the first e-bikes and their increasing popularity, the founders Manu (development) and Greg (sales) realized that these bicycles could be a great opportunity for the sector to gradually steal some shares in individual transportation from cars and encourage more people take e-bikes instead of cars.
Of course, this requires a suitable fleet (plus a garage) to cover everything from necessary shopping trips with children to exciting leisure tours with friends. Naming the bikes after weekdays aims to reflect this operating range – from the Monday commute to the Sunday road ride.

 The car ought to stay in the garage ... 

on naming the bikes after weekdays

So much for the theory. In practice, the current range requires specialization from a relatively small company with about 170 employees at present.
In Moustache’s case, this includes a focus on motorized bikes as well as on aluminium in all its forms and processing options, and a very close collaboration with Bosch.

  • Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7
  • Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7
  • Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7
  • Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7
  • Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7

Models

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

Frame Game, 6061 T4-T6 aluminum, 160 mm travel, 12 x 148 mm, boost, bashguard and chainguard Cassette Shimano, Deore, CS-M6100, 12-speed, 10-51t
Sizes S (1.56 -1.72 m)
M (1.69 - 1.85 m)
L (1.82 - 1.98 m)
XL (1.95 - 2.11 m)
Chain Shimano, CN-M6100, 12-speed
Engine Bosch, Performance Line CX, 250 W, Smart System, 85 Nm Wheels Moustache, asymmetrical, aluminium 6061E, 28-H, 29", inner width 30 mm,
Battery Bosch, PowerTube 750 Wh, horizontal, Smart System Tyres Maxxis, Assegai, 29x2.50, foldable, EXO/TR (tubeless ready)
Display Bosch, Kiox 300, Smart System Headset Acros, AZX-579, sealed bearings
Front suspension Fox, Float 38 Performance, GRIP Stem Moustache, 3D-forged aluminium, 40 mm
Rear suspension Fox Float X Performance Grips SB3, Race
Crankset Moustache, forged aluminium, 165 mm Saddle Moustache, Sport, stainless steel rails
Chainring FSA, Narrow Wide, 34t Hubs Moustache by Mavic, 28-H, ID360, 12x148 rear and 15 x 110 mm front
Handlebar Moustache, aluminium, 780 mm, 12 mm rise, 9° backsweep, 4° upsweep Seatpost KS, Rage-i, dropper seatpost with Shimano remote lever, 31.6 mm, 125 mm
Front brake Shimano, XT, BR-M8120, 220 mm discs Rear brake Shimano, XT, BR-M8120, 203 mm discs
Shifter Shimano, Deore, SL-M6100, 12-speed Weight 25.5 kg (measured by Bikeboard)
23.8 kg ( manufacturer's data mit 625 Wh)
GVWR: 140 kg Warranty 5 years on frame and front fork - 2 years on engine, battery (or 500 charge cycles), and accessories
Rear derailleur Shimano, XT, RD-M8100-SGS, 12-speed Price € 7,299,- RRP (our test bike)
€ 6,699,- RRP (base version)

Workmanship

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.

  • Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7

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

Size S M L XL
Seat tube length (mm) 390 420 450 480
Head tube length (mm) 100 110 130 140
Top tube length (mm) 590 620 645 670
Chainstays (mm) 462 462 462 462
Steering angle 65° 65° 65° 65°
Seat angle 76° 76° 76° 76°
Stack (mm) 628 638 655 664
Reach (mm) 433 461 481 504

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.

  • Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7
  • Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7
  • Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7

 Pure functionality doesn’t need makeup. 

No bling-bling, no golden necklaces, no AXS-funk whatever, just proper brakes, a solid suspension, and a potent battery.
  • Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7

On the Uphill Trail

As expected, the Bosch motor provides substantial assistance, depending on the mode, either more delicately (eMTB) or without mercy (Turbo). In general, starting on steep terrain works well controlled by using the rear brake and the eMTB mode. For fine-tuning, Bosch also offers the new eBike Flow app, allowing users to customize the riding modes.

Performance Line CX is not the most quiet-running system on the market, but the motor noise remains within acceptable limits even at maximum power. The 750 Wh battery provides a decent range, which is crucial especially for tours with many meters of altitude.

The flip side of the coin is the high weight, which becomes noticeable especially off the bike in push mode or when carrying it over obstacles. However, the geometry ensures that even in the steepest ramps of my home track, the front wheel stays on the ground, while the Maxxis tires with their width of 2.5 inches and the bike’s overall weight ensure adequate grip on the rear wheel.
Therefore, my advice: Always stay in the saddle or at least on the pedals. I keep being amazed by the ability of modern bikes to tackle really steep sections without throwing the rider off in a wild, uncontrolled rodeo.

  • Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7
  • Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7
  • Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7
  • Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7
  • Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7
  • Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7
  • Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7
Detailansicht
Abus Cliffhanger
Detailansicht
+ Mehr Infos
MT500 Burner Lite Jersey Black
Detailansicht
+ Mehr Infos
MT500 Burner Lite Pants Black
Detailansicht
+ Mehr Infos

On the Downhill Trail

Also, on downhill rides the bike does not turn into a wild, untamed mustang. On one hand, the weight combined with the Maxxis tires provides good grip, and the powerful 220 mm 4-piston brake system ensures necessary deceleration. On the other hand, I was genuinely impressed by the finely tuned suspension and the performance of the shock and fork.
In addition to some rather spontaneously or arbitrarily chosen routes, I ride every test bike at least twice on my home track, where it is confronted with some challenging crucial spots both uphill and downhill. Rarely has a bike mastered the rough rocks as calmly and smoothly as the Moustache, except maybe for the Mondraker Foxy RR.
Of course, a bit more effort is needed to move a 25 kg e-bike. However, it gets rewarded with solid traction.

A crank length of 165 mm ensures sufficient ground clearance, and I think the geometry is for most riders a good compromise between agility and control at high speeds, at which the Samedi remains unfazed. Nevertheless, with a little use of physical strength, tight turns are still rideable.
I recommend a test ride, especially for experienced bikers who like some excitement and highly reactive bikes – maybe at the next Salzkammergut Trophy.

I appreciate the different characters of various bikes, and I like the Samedi 29 Game 7. It is good for relaxed power cruising both uphill and downhill. And if you, like me, often travel with a quite heavy photo backpack, increased riding comfort combined with robust technology usually outweighs the desire for a new personal downhill record on some cannonball bike or the latest high-tech gimmick. The Moustache takes exactly this line.

  • Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7
  • solid, rattle-free battery mountsolid, rattle-free battery mount
    solid, rattle-free battery mount
    solid, rattle-free battery mount
  • This way the battery is double secured.This way the battery is double secured.
    This way the battery is double secured.
    This way the battery is double secured.
  • The charging port is designed by Moustache.The charging port is designed by Moustache.
    The charging port is designed by Moustache.
    The charging port is designed by Moustache.
  • very unlike the original Bosch rubbervery unlike the original Bosch rubber
    very unlike the original Bosch rubber
    very unlike the original Bosch rubber
  • top-notch workmanship everywhere you looktop-notch workmanship everywhere you look
    top-notch workmanship everywhere you look
    top-notch workmanship everywhere you look
  • also, the expansive rockeralso, the expansive rocker
    also, the expansive rocker
    also, the expansive rocker

Make a Wish

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.

  • Wide Wide
    Wide
    Wide
  • steering angle steering angle
    steering angle
    steering angle
  • and much space under handlebar endsand much space under handlebar ends
    and much space under handlebar ends
    and much space under handlebar ends
  • motor boltingmotor bolting
    motor bolting
    motor bolting
  • The Fox Float X shock is already factory-tuned.The Fox Float X shock is already factory-tuned.
    The Fox Float X shock is already factory-tuned.
    The Fox Float X shock is already factory-tuned.
  • Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7

Conclusion

Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7
Model year: 2023
Test duration: 2 months / 250 km
Price: SRP € 7,299
+ Suspension
+ Workmanship
+ Brakes
+ Nice details
o Bosch LED Remote
o Weight
BB Verdict: A reliable partner with hidden qualities.

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.

  • Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7
  • Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7Moustache Samedi 29 Game 7