Every year, the French manufacturer Mustache is present at Roc d’Azur. Each time it is an opportunity to discover the new products from the Vosges manufacturer, but above all to take charge of the new Game, an electric Enduro mountain bike benefiting from the power of the new Bosch engine.
Mustache is a French brand that aims for the high end. Manufacturing its bikes in the Vosges, Mustache has equipped its Samedi 29 Game electric mountain bike with the recently updated powerful Bosch Performance Line CX motor. This pushed him to review the framework of the Game, improving its performance and behavior in the process.
Redesigned mass balancing
If the weight of the Mustache Game is announced at 23.9 kg in our Game 7 trial version, the manufacturer has redesigned its aluminum frame to ensure better centering of the masses, essential work to offer a homogeneous e-MTB in the piloting.
So the rear shock absorber is now installed under the top tube. The anchoring points of the Bosch motor having changed, Mustache took the liberty of tilting the motor to place it in a vertical position. This allows the positioning of the battery to be lowered, which lowers the bike’s center of gravity.
This change in motor position also provides better cooling of the electric assistance. An electric motor, even when lightly used, must benefit from good cooling.
A supercharged electric mountain bike
Frandroid has already tested the Bosch Performance Line CX motor in its new version. It is among the most powerful motors on the market with a torque of 85 Nm and a peak of 600 W.
Bosch has reduced the weight of the motor by around a hundred grams, bringing it to 2.8 kg, as well as that of the batteries. Unfortunately, Mustache does not use Bosch’s new 800 Wh battery. This is lighter than the old 750 Wh from the equipment manufacturer, but Mustache has chosen to keep the 750 Wh for the Game. According to the manufacturer, this choice was made in order not to oversize the oblique tube which accommodates the battery. A completely admissible argument.
On this 750 Wh or 600 Wh battery depending on the version chosen, Mustache has developed supports to secure the battery. This attachment helps prevent noise caused by the movement of the battery, an essential aspect, because the Mustache Game is designed to be abused on the trails.
High-end equipment
The Mustache Game aims to be high-end. Our test version, the Game 7, was equipped with a FOX Float 36 Performance fork with 160mm of travel. The Mustache Magic Grip Control rear shock offered 150mm of travel, and a version with a 160mm shock is also offered.
This version features a Shimano XT 12-speed derailleur with a 10-51 cassette. Calipers are also supplied by Shimano, from the XT range. The four-piston brakes and 203 mm discs guarantee significant stopping force. It’s appreciable.
On the handlebars, the Mini Remote control for the Bosch motor is discreet. The new Purion 400 screen makes a good impression with its high definition and clear displays. However, its positioning to the right of the stem, inside the handlebars, requires you to tilt your head to check the speed or battery level. But this location in the handlebar triangle also serves to reduce the risk of breakage, because the screen is better protected in the event of falls or violent contact with a branch.
Mustache added several practical little tips. In the head tube there is a multi-tool, always useful in the event of a mechanical problem. In addition, a bag is attached to the battery, allowing you to slip in an inner tube, a practical detail for getting back on track after a puncture.
Forced passage
Truce of presentation: we took the handlebars of the Mustache Game on the slopes of the Massif des Maures. Leaving the Fréjus nature base, the rolling portion up to the first climb showed us that it is difficult to exceed the 25 km/h limit once the engine is switched off, and each additional kilometer per hour costs a lot of effort. physical.
The weight of the bike, combined with the pedaling resistance caused by the electric motor, makes it difficult to pick up speed. We quickly understand that the Mustache Game is designed to be used with assistance. This is something to know, and it differs a lot from the Canyon Spectral:Onfly which we also took in hand. The latter, however, benefits from a much lighter engine, and a naturally more contained weight.
On the other hand, on climbs, the power of the engine literally makes you fly. With my weight of 60 kg, I was propelled to the top of the hills thanks to the 85 Nm of the engine. On technical climbs the power is almost excessive, making control difficult at full speed. In this case, it is better to switch from Turbo mode to eMTB mode, which offers more natural assistance. It’s a question of feeling and settings.
On steep slopes, the bike does not rear up and the rear shock does not sag more than necessary. It works just enough to keep the wheel in contact with the ground. The optimized mass balance reinforces this stability, making it easy to overcome roots and stones when going uphill, with the help of the 29-inch wheels. Riding the Game, you overcome difficulties with an impressive feeling of power.
On the descent, the Mustache Game inspires confidence. I’m not a seasoned descender and have always lacked technique, but riding the Game in steep percentages is surprisingly easy. The suspension absorbs irregularities well and the wheels always remain in contact with the ground. This way, you can control your speed while benefiting from powerful braking. In short, very good first impressions overall.
Our trial version, in the shiny Dusty Mauve color, is priced at 5,999 euros with the 600 Wh battery, offering an announced range of 97 km. To reach up to 129 km of autonomy, you must add 300 euros to benefit from the 750 Wh battery.
