Moustache have paid a lot of attention to the details on the Samedi 29 Game 4, developing many of their own solutions. In typical Moustache-fashion even the entry-level bike features the same high-quality shock as the top of the line Samedi 29 Game. Read on to find out what the € 4,999 Samedi 29 Game 4 is capable of with its Bosch Performance CX motor!
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24.35 kg in size L | € 4,999 | manfacturer website
French bike brand, Moustache rely exclusively on Bosch for their motors and have redesigned almost all of the models in their 2020 range. The Samedi 29 Game is a completely new model in the French brand’s lineup and it’s their flagship bike in terms of travel and downhill performance. At € 4,999, the entry-level Moustache Samedi 29 Game 4 features a high-quality aluminium frame and weighs a total of 24.35 kg, representing the test field’s average. Moustache have done an excellent job of integrating the Bosch Performance CX system into the frame. The 625 Wh battery is easy to remove from the down tube, it doesn’t rattle when installed and the speed sensor is securely integrated into the dropout. The bulky Purion display doesn’t quite match the otherwise slim looking in-house cockpit, though we couldn’t fault its functionality.
As usual, Moustache choose to rely on their proprietary Magic Grip shock, which has been developed in-house. With its large air chamber, it offers 160 mm travel on the Samedi 29 Game 4 to match the 160 mm RockShox 35 Gold fork. The French brand have chosen grippy 29” MAXXIS Assegai tires and a set of powerful Shimano four-piston brakes to rein the bike in. Shifting is taken care of by SRAM’s entry-level SX Eagle drivetrain, the performance of which isn’t up to par with the NX Eagle or Shimano SLX drivetrains of the competition.
Moustache Samedi 29 Game 4
€ 4,999
Specifications
Motor Bosch Performance Line CX 75 Nm
Battery Bosch PowerTube 625 Wh
Display Bosch Kiox
Fork RockShox 35 Gold 160 mm
Rear Shock Moustache Magic Grip 160 mm
Seatpost Moustache Dropper 150 mm
Brakes Shimano MT520 4-Kolben 200/200 mm
Drivetrain SRAM SX Eagle 1x12
Stem Moustache 3D forged 50 mm
Handlebar Moustache Aluminium 780 mm
Wheelset Moustache Aluminium 29"
Tires MAXXIS Assegai 2.5"
Technical Data
Size S, M, L, XL
Weight 24.35 kg
Perm. total weight 150 kg
Max. payload (rider/equipment) 125 kg
Trailer approval yes
Kickstand mount yes
Specific Features
in-house developed shock
The jump in performance from the very affordable RockShox 35 to the slightly more expensive Yari RC is definit noticeable. On the trail, the 35 falls short and robs the Moustache of its true potential.
Moustache rely on their specially developed Magic Grip shock for the Samedi 29 Game, keeping the rear wheel glued to the ground and generating loads of traction. A small clip helps you with the shock’s initial setup.
The chain and seat stay protectors are simply too small. As a result, the paint quickly gets damaged. Too bad that Moustache didn’t pay as much attention here as they did everywhere else.
Moustache equip their bike with the aggressively profiled MAXXIS Assegai tires front and rear. Even with just the dual-compound rubber, they’re some of the grippiest options on test.
Combined with the 200 mm rotors, Shimano’s MT-520 four-piston brakes offer lots of braking power and easy modulation. However, the bite point tends to wander, though thorough bleeding should eliminate the problem.
The cockpit and the cables are ergonomic and tidy. Everything is in its place and easy to operate.
Geometry of the Moustache Samedi 29 Game 4
On level terrain, the riding position is immediately comfortable. In combination with the sensitive rear suspension, the Mustache is a pleasure on long rides, providing all-day comfort. Unfortunately, the RockShox 35 fork clouds the otherwise positive impression on rough gravel roads, passing more impacts on to the rider then any other fork in test.
As with almost every Moustache we’ve ridden, we have to ask ourselves how they get the rear suspension to work so well. It performs like an absolute dream!
| Size | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube | 380 mm | 420 mm | 460 mm | 500 mm |
| Top tube | 570 mm | 600 mm | 625 mm | 650 mm |
| Head tube | 100 mm | 110 mm | 130 mm | 140 mm |
| Head angle | 65.7° | 65.7° | 65.7° | 65.7° |
| Seat angle | 74.2° | 74.2° | 74.2° | 74.2° |
| Chainstays | 460 mm | 460 mm | 460 mm | 460 mm |
| BB Height | 356 mm | 356 mm | 356 mm | 356 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,177 mm | 1,209 mm | 1,236 mm | 1,264 mm |
| Reach | 400 mm | 427 mm | 448 mm | 470 mm |
| Stack | 611 mm | 621 mm | 635 mm | 648 mm |
Moustache Samedi 29 Game 4 on test
In a nutshell, the Mustache Samedi 29 Game 4 is an impressive climber. Although tall riders tend to sit further towards the back of the bike, the front wheel stays planted even on really steep inclines. Working together, the rear suspension and tire are able to generate tons of grip, allowing you to stand up and pedal over wet roots and loose ground without fear of spinning out. The only thing to slow you down is the front wheel getting caught up on larger obstacles. With a more sensitive fork, the Samedi 29 Game 4 would be the best climber on test.
The Mustache Samedi 29 Game 4 has only one problem: the RockShox 35 fork limits the performance and potential of this otherwise lovingly designed bike!
On flowing downhills, the compact geometry of the Samedi 29 Game 4 makes for very agile handling that is easy to control and a lot of fun. The rear suspension sticks to the ground but still provides enough feedback from the trail and enough mid-stroke support to pump the bike and get it airborne. However, your hands will start to hurt on longer trails. Once again, it’s the fork that slows down the Moustache. On rough trails, the imbalance in grip between the front and rear wheels is evident. That’s too bad, because other than that the weight distribution on the bike is very balanced, making it easy to handle in open corners and on grippy surfaces. The Mustache Samedi 29 Game 4 makes a very promising impression both on the climbs and descents. With a more sensitive and defined fork, the Moustache could be “best in test”.
Tuning tips: Upgrade the fork or buy the better-specced Samedi 29 Game 6 instead!
Riding Characteristics
7Agility
- sluggish
- playful
Stability
- nervous
- stable
Handling
- demanding
- balanced
Riding fun
- boring
- lively
Motor feeling
- digital
- natural
Motor power
- weak
- strong
Value for money
- poor
- top
Conclusion of the Moustache Samedi 29 Game 4
The Mustache Samedi 29 Game has a lot of potential! The integration of the entire Bosch system is exemplary and the performance of the rear end is top notch. While the Samedi 29 Game 4 is easy to control and tons of fun on maintained, flowing trails, the RockShox 35 quickly has you scrubbing off speed on the descents. We recommend resorting to the € 600 more expensive Moustache Samedi 29 Game 6 instead. It’s only around € 100 over the budget of this group test and comes with a FOX 36 Performance fork.
Tops
- super comfortable riding position
- rear suspension provides comfort and support
- integration of the motor
Flops
- RockShox 35 limits the bike
- chain slap
For more information head to moustachebikes.com
The test field
Click here for an overview of the best budget eMTB
All bikes in review: CENTURION No Pogo E R2600i (Click for review) | CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC (Click for review) | Haibike XDURO AllMtn 3.0 (Click for review) | Moustache Samedi 29 Game 4 | RADON RENDER 10.0 (Click for review) | Scott Genius eRIDE 920 (Click for review) | Specialized Kenevo Comp (Click for review) | Trek Rail 7 EU (Click for review)
Relaxed and comfortable riding on surfaced roads, both uphill and downhill.↩
Easy climbs up trails with few obstacles, wide turns and a moderate incline.↩
Active and playful descents on easy trails with few obstacles, wide turns and a moderate slope.↩
Single-track climbs on challenging terrain. Loose ground, steps, roots, tight corners and occasionally extreme inclines.↩
Singletrack descents on challenging terrain. Loose ground, steps, roots, tight corners and small jumps as well as some very steep descents.↩
High speed descents on sometimes very rough trails with large jumps and obstacles that you can’t roll over.↩
The rating used for riding characteristics refers to the bikes in the group test and the current state of development of eMTBs. The best bikes managed to blend supposedly opposite riding characteristics, feeling both lively and stable at the same time. The handling describes the balance of the bike on downhill sections. The information regarding motor-power refers to the ride-feeling in the overall context of the bike and not exclusively to the motor – that’s why the same motor can present different values.↩
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Words: Photos: Finlay Anderson
