E-MTB / Test: The Moustache The Samedi 29 is practically a classic in the French manufacturer's portfolio. This Bosch-powered e-MTB has been tweaked and expanded over the years, while remaining true to its core design. The bike is now available in three different versions: Trail and Game. The Trail model serves as the all-rounder with 150 mm of travel, while the Game, with 170 mm or 160 mm of travel, offers greater reserves for challenging terrain. Both versions are available in a wide range of equipment options, starting at just under €5.000.
Solid, innovative aluminum frame with Bosch drive
What all of them have in common is that Moustache Samedi 29 models feature the proven aluminum frame with its distinctive look, especially in the rear triangle. But it also offers some exciting technical details, including the integrated battery. You can choose between 625 Wh and 750 Wh, both of which can be easily removed from the downtube. For this, [the following appears to be unrelated and possibly a separate text fragment: 0.25 Wh. For this, the following appears to be unrelated and possibly a separate text fragment: 0.25 Wh. Moustache They developed a custom battery mount into which the battery is hooked and secured from the outside with a knurled screw. This works exceptionally well in practice, and if the French manufacturer is to be believed, it saves a considerable amount of weight compared to traditional mounting methods. However, a lock is not included, which shouldn't be too much of a drawback for a sporty e-MTB.
The laying of cables and trains is likely to polarize people. These traditionally disappear on the frame itself and are not led into the inside of the frame at the headset or even the stem, as is the case with so many E-MTBs today. Some people may be bothered by the slightly untidy look of the cockpit, but those who regularly work on the wheel will be happy about it. Even simple conversion measures such as adding or removing spacers under the stem are much easier thanks to this classic installation.
When it comes to drive, all Samedi 29 models rely on the Bosch CX, and the elegant LTD versions even have the slightly more powerful Race version. The unit, which weighs around 2,9 kg and has a maximum torque of 85 Nm, is well proven and should provide enough power for virtually all areas of application. The drive is controlled via the well-known LED remote, which is supplemented with a Kiox 300 display.
Strong features at a fair price – for trail bikes or enduro
On paper, the classification of the two variants Game and Trail is clear: with 170 mm of travel at the front and 160 at the rear, the Game seems to be firmly positioned in the enduro segment, while the Trail with 150 mm is more likely to take on the role of an all-rounder. The respective area of application is also partly reflected in the choice of components: There is the Fox 38 at the front of the game, while the Trail makes do with a Fox 36. The latter has to make do with “only” a 203 mm brake disc diameter at the front, whereas the game has a full 223 mm. However, you can also see elsewhere that the bikes are perhaps more similar than the suspension travel would suggest: with the Maxxis Assegai on the front and rear, the Samedi 29 Trail also has one of the grippiest tires on the market.
The close relationship between the Trail and Game models is also evident in the geometry data, which differs only minimally – no wonder, since the frame is virtually identical. The dimensions are rather conservative and not extreme. The relatively long chainstays (over 460 mm) and the comparatively high front end are noticeable. The XL frame size is also noteworthy, which, according to Moustache It should be suitable for heights up to 2,11m.
In the test we had the Moustache Samedi 29 Trail 9 and the Samedi Game 7. The numbers indicate the respective equipment variant – the higher the number, the higher the quality. However, the following applies to the entire model range: Moustache This bike offers a lot of e-MTB for the money, and practically all models are recommendable. The Trail 9 we tested, in particular, comes with a truly impressive component package for its price of €6.699. It features a Fox 36 Factory Grip 2 fork up front, Shimano XT drivetrain and brakes, and Mavic wheels, which, however, are... Moustache They were self-branded. The in-house Magic Grip shock is particularly interesting: the French company has been developing this shock for years and it's used on almost all of their models. New for 2024 is the option of a Fox Float X shock on the Samedi 29 Game, as on our test bike. The Game 7 is slightly less expensive, equipped with a Fox Performance fork and a Shimano Deore/XT drivetrain mix. The base price of €6.099 (for the 750 Wh battery) is increased by €300 for the aforementioned Fox shock.
We tested both bikes, the Moustache The Samedi 29 Trail 9 and the Game 7 were tested on the trails in the Vinschgau Valley in South Tyrol. Both proved to be forgiving all-rounders, with the Game 7 performing significantly better off-road, thanks in part to its Fox shock. Both bikes share a high level of comfort and a pleasant riding position. You can find a detailed ride report in our test video.