Model: Moustache Samedi 29 (9s derailleur version); 400Wh battery.
Purchased: 24 Jan 2013
Price: €2739
For pictures and mods, see The nature of my game.
Review
Equipped with my old Brooks saddle, this is a comfortable bike that has not caused any strain or pain whatsoever.
The Bosch motor action is gentle and progressive. Moving to a higher mode the increase in power is immediate. Attacking steep hills when in Turbo mode needs a cadence which, for me, is relatively high; the motor then feels like it’s kicking in whereupon it’s very effective. Drop the cadence however, and it seems to fade away. The motor cuts out as expected at 25km/h but on flats the bike is light enough (22.4kgs) to pedal on to higher speeds. The motor gives off a low humming noise. I find the Walk Assist function pretty useless, especially as it causes the pedals to turn.
Compared with other e-bike layouts I’ve tried, the positioning of the motor at the crank feels most like cycling rather than being pushed or pulled.
A problem has been reported with the rear hubs fitted on 2012 models which were drawn from Shimano’s Acera range. They break with heavy usage. However, 2013 bikes are equipped with the Deore LX set which so far seem fine.
The derailleur action is smooth although for down hills it would be nice to have a higher gear. Upon changing down when climbing a hill, pressure has slightly to be eased off. Gear lever operation is smooth.
The brakes are excellent but I suppose that’s true for all hydraulic ones.
The centrally placed Intuvia computer read-out is clear and together with its offset control is easy to use. The battery takes 3’07” to charge from empty which is less than the quoted 3’30”, perhaps because it’s new.
The frame and general build seem solid. Some e-bikes in France take quite a hammering. For example, one Moustache Samedi owner reports commuting most days 15 miles (one-way) including a 1350ft climb over 4 miles.
Another, whilst commuting only 2.5 miles, pulls a 2 child trailer and has a child seat; the total weight including his own is 170 kgs.
The design of the handlebar is particular and gives the brand its name. Its shape however makes the fitting of accessories difficult although handlebar extensions are apparently available.
Perceived quality stands out. The wiring is tidy, the mudguards and light are solidly fixed and are an integral part of the design. The frame neatly embraces the electrics with no awkward kink. At least to my eye, the overall look is original, simple and elegant.
Statistics so far
Over 15 trips and 173 miles:
Average speed: 11.9 m/hr.
Fastest speed: 32.25 m/hr. (downhill, pedalling like crazy)
Average autonomy (miles):
Turbo: 37.00 Sport: 43.83 Tour: 54.81 Eco: 78.92
Modes used: Eco on flats, progressively moving up depending on steepness of slope. (Turbo rarely used).
Terrain: mostly gentle undulations with a few sharp hills.
Road surface: part road, part gravel path.
Weather: twice in strong wind, otherwise calm.
Rider: height 6ft; weight 84kgs.
Luggage: zero to 5kgs.
Lessons learnt
• When climbing steep slopes, keep up the cadence (at least 60 revs per minute) for motor to become effective.
• Saddle height: as high possible- consult Sheldon Brown! (A Comfortable Bicycle Saddle)
• Mounting/dismounting: don’t do as I’ve done for decades- consult Sheldon Brown! (Starting and Stopping)
• A work stand is a great help. A bike weighing 20kgs without battery is awkward to upend. Also, upside down, it rests on the electronic controller.
• Trying to manoeuvre the bike into the back of an Audi A3 Sportback is almost like persuading a cat that it wants to get into a travel box. It scratches and fights but is much, much heavier. Thule tow bar and carrier soon to be fitted. €1224!!!
• A better bike bell is needed.
Purchased: 24 Jan 2013
Price: €2739
For pictures and mods, see The nature of my game.
Review
Equipped with my old Brooks saddle, this is a comfortable bike that has not caused any strain or pain whatsoever.
The Bosch motor action is gentle and progressive. Moving to a higher mode the increase in power is immediate. Attacking steep hills when in Turbo mode needs a cadence which, for me, is relatively high; the motor then feels like it’s kicking in whereupon it’s very effective. Drop the cadence however, and it seems to fade away. The motor cuts out as expected at 25km/h but on flats the bike is light enough (22.4kgs) to pedal on to higher speeds. The motor gives off a low humming noise. I find the Walk Assist function pretty useless, especially as it causes the pedals to turn.
Compared with other e-bike layouts I’ve tried, the positioning of the motor at the crank feels most like cycling rather than being pushed or pulled.
A problem has been reported with the rear hubs fitted on 2012 models which were drawn from Shimano’s Acera range. They break with heavy usage. However, 2013 bikes are equipped with the Deore LX set which so far seem fine.
The derailleur action is smooth although for down hills it would be nice to have a higher gear. Upon changing down when climbing a hill, pressure has slightly to be eased off. Gear lever operation is smooth.
The brakes are excellent but I suppose that’s true for all hydraulic ones.
The centrally placed Intuvia computer read-out is clear and together with its offset control is easy to use. The battery takes 3’07” to charge from empty which is less than the quoted 3’30”, perhaps because it’s new.
The frame and general build seem solid. Some e-bikes in France take quite a hammering. For example, one Moustache Samedi owner reports commuting most days 15 miles (one-way) including a 1350ft climb over 4 miles.
Another, whilst commuting only 2.5 miles, pulls a 2 child trailer and has a child seat; the total weight including his own is 170 kgs.
The design of the handlebar is particular and gives the brand its name. Its shape however makes the fitting of accessories difficult although handlebar extensions are apparently available.
Perceived quality stands out. The wiring is tidy, the mudguards and light are solidly fixed and are an integral part of the design. The frame neatly embraces the electrics with no awkward kink. At least to my eye, the overall look is original, simple and elegant.
Statistics so far
Over 15 trips and 173 miles:
Average speed: 11.9 m/hr.
Fastest speed: 32.25 m/hr. (downhill, pedalling like crazy)
Average autonomy (miles):
Turbo: 37.00 Sport: 43.83 Tour: 54.81 Eco: 78.92
Modes used: Eco on flats, progressively moving up depending on steepness of slope. (Turbo rarely used).
Terrain: mostly gentle undulations with a few sharp hills.
Road surface: part road, part gravel path.
Weather: twice in strong wind, otherwise calm.
Rider: height 6ft; weight 84kgs.
Luggage: zero to 5kgs.
Lessons learnt
• When climbing steep slopes, keep up the cadence (at least 60 revs per minute) for motor to become effective.
• Saddle height: as high possible- consult Sheldon Brown! (A Comfortable Bicycle Saddle)
• Mounting/dismounting: don’t do as I’ve done for decades- consult Sheldon Brown! (Starting and Stopping)
• A work stand is a great help. A bike weighing 20kgs without battery is awkward to upend. Also, upside down, it rests on the electronic controller.
• Trying to manoeuvre the bike into the back of an Audi A3 Sportback is almost like persuading a cat that it wants to get into a travel box. It scratches and fights but is much, much heavier. Thule tow bar and carrier soon to be fitted. €1224!!!
• A better bike bell is needed.
