Moustache Samedi 29 Game 3

A capable mountain bike that offers great value via a full-suspension frame, Shimano drivetrain and Bosch motor

French brand Moustache has been quietly building a reputation as a supplier of innovative, stylish and good-value electric bikes. It’s continuing this trend with the introduction of the Samedi 29 Game 3 mountain bike.

Of course, over £5,000 may seem like a lot of cash, but consider the inclusion of a Bosch Performance Line CX motor coupled with a large-capacity 750Wh Bosch battery. Then run your eye over the respectable Shimano Deore 11-speed drivetrain. Finally, take a moment to appraise the enormous amount of suspension travel – enough to eat UK trails for breakfast. All this combines to make the pricetag more understandable.

Moustache provides maximum fun for each pound spent by employing a hydroformed aluminium frame that holds a proprietary Magic Grip Control air shock to extract 160mm of rear-wheel travel. The clever shaping of the frame also allows Moustache to conceal the bike’s battery within the down tube and create a solid mounting point for the motor to help keep the centre of gravity low. Front-wheel dampening is then handled by a 170mm Rockshox Domain R fork.

Clearly, the Samedi 29 Game 3’s chassis is designed to let you boss challenging terrain. This is also apparent in the inclusion of a KS dropper seatpost that lets you lower the seat out of the way via a handlebarmounted switch. This ability is likely to prove pretty much essential when heading downhill or over jumps or drops.

Shimano’s Deore groupset may not have the cachet of posher ranges, but it still provides 11 gears and reliable and consistent operation. The same goes for the brand’s MT420 four-piston hydraulic disc brakes. Plus, if you crash and damage anything, the cost of a replacement won’t break the bank.

Most of the remaining finishing kit comes from Moustache’s own brand. This includes the 29-inch wheels, which feature tubeless-ready rims shod with aggressive Maxxis tyres. In keeping with the rest of the bike, they’re ready to rumble from the word go.

▶ £5,299

▶ moustachebikes.com