With the brand new Recreation, French e-bike producer Moustache goals to supply the right bike for all sorts of riders. It combines a totally redesigned alloy body and Bosch’s fifth technology Efficiency Line CX motor, offering highly effective help in all types of driving eventualities. Regardless of the high-end spec, the value stays surprisingly cheap – might this be the key to success?
24.88 kg in measurement M | 8,999 € | producer’s-website
Moustache produce solely aluminium e-bikes – apart from a stability bike for teenagers 😉 – and are well-known far past the French borders. The brand new 2025 Moustache Recreation 2025 positive makes an announcement. Whereas more and more extra e-bike producers try to go incognito by hiding the shock, motor, and battery deep contained in the body, Moustache take a very totally different strategy. The Recreation proudly shouts: “Right here I’m, I’m an e-bike!”. Moustache, that are based mostly within the Vosges, France, have tilted the brand new fifth technology Bosch motor, giving it a daring, outstanding place inside the body. No subtlety right here, and the motor is something however hidden.
The Recreation is essentially the most downhill-focused bike in Moustache’s mannequin vary. The model we examined – the Recreation 160.9 – retails at € 8,999and ideas the scales at 24.88 kg, combining large 29” wheels and 170/160 mm of journey. Alongside the Recreation 160, Moustache additionally presents the Recreation 150 variant, which generates barely much less journey, combining 160/150 mm on the entrance and rear.
The brand new 2025 Moustache Recreation e-bike intimately – one platform for 2 bikes and countless prospects
Moustache went all out with the brand new 2025 Recreation, and left no stone unturned from the earlier Samedi Recreation. They developed a very new platform to make room for the brand new Bosch Efficiency Line CX motor, which is the star of the present. Whereas delivering the identical quantity of energy as its predecessor, the brand new drive is rather a lot quieter, and will be mixed with totally different battery choices. And oh, the annoying rattling noise its predecessor makes on tough descents has lastly gone! If you wish to know extra about Bosch’s New motor,learn the complete overview of the fifth technology Bosch CX.
Reasonably than totally integrating the motor into the body, Moustache have intentionally left it uncovered to permit direct airflow for cooling. The bike’s most original characteristic is that the motor is tilted, with the casing going through upwards. The battery is built-in into the downtube however will be faraway from the underside of the body. To do that, you need to take away the skid plate, undo the axle, and pull the battery out from beneath the motor. It’s best to do that with the bike the other way up. There’s additionally an choice to lock the battery, with a intelligent clip-on cupboard space for the important thing within the skid plate, so it’s at all times inside attain. Charging is easy too – simply unscrew the charging port subsequent to the motor, which is secured with a twine and clips into place by the use of a magnet when not in use. This magnetic resting-position can also be used, whereas the Bosch PowerMore Vary Extender is linked.
The cables and brake hoses are routed internally and secured on the ports. Solely the cable for the brand new Bosch show runs by means of the Acros headset. The shock is now mounted horizontally and linked to the swingarm through the confirmed Horst hyperlink suspension system.
A intelligent contact is the mounting {hardware} for the battery, which additionally features a small pouch for storing a puncture restore equipment, which is an ideal addition on condition that cupboard space is at all times a difficulty with ebikes. If you happen to want instruments, Moustache cover a multi-tool with all important Allen keys within the headtube. As anticipated, the downtube additionally includes a mounting level for a bottle cage.
The chainstay protector is minimalistic but efficient, guaranteeing a quiet trip. Together with the bike, you additionally get a small entrance and rear fender, and body safety stickers, obtainable in varied colors and with a number of emblem choices. Sensible as ever, the “Prepared-to-Roll” equipment, which incorporates fenders, body safety, instruments, and a puncture equipment, comes as normal with each Recreation mannequin.
The Specs of the 2025 Moustache Recreation 160.9
The Moustache Recreation 160 is the downhill-oriented variant, and its spec record makes that clear. With 170 mm of journey up entrance and 160 mm on the rear, this model is designed to sort out powerful trails. FOX provide the 38 Manufacturing facility fork, which presents numerous adjustment choices and delivers a wonderful efficiency on the path. On the rear, a FOX Float X Manufacturing facility shock manages 160mm of journey, and means that you can regulate each the compression stage and rebound.
The motor is paired with Bosch’s bar-mounted Purion 400 show and the wi-fi System Controller, which lets you change the driving modes. Shifting is taken care of by a 12-speed , digital SRAM X0 AXS Transmission drivetrain, which has a large 520% gear vary. It’s linked on to the e-bike battery and mounts to the body with no derailleur hanger, making setup easier.
Shimano XT brakes with a large 220 mm rotor on the entrance and 203 mm disc on the rear guarantee highly effective and dependable deceleration . FOX additionally provide the Switch dropper put up, which, at 150 mm in measurement M, limits freedom of motion barely, particularly given the downhill-oriented nature of the bike.
For the wheels, Moustache mix their in-house carbon rims withMavic hubs, a mix that’s meant to maintain down the burden of the Recreation 160.9. The edges are paired with Maxxis Assegai tires, with EXO+ casing on the entrance and the more durable DoubleDown casing on the rear– each tires within the softest MaxxGrip rubber compound. The latter delivers wonderful traction however isn’t essentially the most sturdy on the market.
Apart from the dropper put up, there’s little room for enchancment. The Recreation 160 is well-equipped straight out of the field, leaving only a few needs unfulfilled. Priced at € 8,999 with a 600 Wh battery, it’s a strong providing. For these needing extra vary, there’s a 750 Wh model obtainable for € 9,299. The full weight stays cheap at 24.88 kg, particularly given the sturdy aluminium body.
Moustache Recreation 160.9
€ 8,999
Specs
Motor Bosch Efficiency Line CX 85 Nm
Battery Bosch PowerTube 600 Wh
Show Bosch Purion 400
Fork FOX 38 Manufacturing facility GRIP X2 170 mm
Rear Shock FOX FLOAT X Manufacturing facility 160 mm
Seatpost FOX Switch Manufacturing facility 150 mm
Brakes Shimano XT 220/203 mm
Drivetrain SRAM X0 AXS Eagle Transmission 1×12
Stem Moustache 40 mm
Handlebar Moustache Simply Carbon 780 mm
Wheelset Moustache Carbon 29″
Tires MAXXIS ASSEGAI, MaxxGrip, EXO+/ ASSEGAI, MaxxGrip, DoubleDown 2.5″/2.5″
Technical Knowledge
Dimension S M L XL
Weight 24.88 kg
Perm. complete weight 150 kg
Max. payload (rider/gear) 125 kg
Particular Options
built-in software
body bag
The opposite spec variants of the 2025 Moustache Recreation 160
The Moustache Recreation 160.7 is essentially the most inexpensive mannequin within the Recreation 160 vary, that includes a FOX Efficiency suspension. In contrast with the top-tier fashions, it doesn’t include a elaborate Kashima coating and presents fewer adjustment choices. The FOX FLOAT X Efficiency shock does characteristic an exterior compression adjustment and in addition is available in a black end. Each the drivetrain and brakes come from Shimano’s dependable XT vary. The brakes guarantee dependable, highly effective deceleration, whereas the massive 220 mm rotor on the entrance and 203 mm disc on the rear guarantee good warmth dissipation. The cable-operated drivetrain is sturdy and ensures clean gear shifts. Priced at € 6,499, the 160.7 comes with a 600 Wh battery, which will be upgraded to the 750 Wh model for a further € 300
For € 1,000 extra, the Recreation 160.8 presents a big improve in parts,retailing at € 7,499. This model comes geared up with a full FOX Manufacturing facility suspension consisting of a 38 fork and matching Float X Manufacturing facility shock.The fork supply numerous adjustment choices whereas the shock has externally adjustable excessive and low-speed compression in addition to rebound. Shifting is taken care of by a wi-fi SRAM GX AXS Transmission drivetrain. Like with the 160.7 mannequin, Shimano XT brakes present dependable deceleration along with the 220/203 mm rotors. The wheels and tires stay unchanged from the extra inexpensive 160.7 variant, that includes Moustache’s in-house aluminium rims with Mavic hubs. The 160.8 is priced at € 7,499 with a 600 Wh battery, or € 7,799 with the bigger 750 Wh battery. The principle variations from the highest mannequin are the marginally heavier drivetrain and the aluminium wheels as an alternative of carbon.
Along with the examined Recreation 160, there are three different fashions with barely much less journey. The Path fashions mix 150 mm on the rear and 160 mm on the entrance. These fashions – the 150.6, 150.7, and 150.8 – all characteristic Moustache’s in-house Magic Grip Management shock, which we’ve praised beforehand for its “flying carpet” really feel. These bikes additionally utilise the brand new Bosch Efficiency Line CX motor. The wheels are Moustache’s personal aluminium rims, with Mavic hubs fitted to all however the entry-level mannequin.
Up entrance, the 150.6 is supplied with a Marzocchi Z1 fork, whereas the higher-end fashions characteristic FOX 36 forks. Costs for the 150 vary from € 5,399 to € 5,999 and € 6,999. All fashions include a 600 Wh battery as normal, with the choice to improve to a 750 Wh battery for a further € 300.
The Geometry of the brand new 2025 Moustache Recreation 160
Moustache haven’t simply revised the shock place on the brand new Recreation but in addition made slight tweaks to the kinematics. The shock now sits parallel to the highest tube, however is offset barely to the left inside the body. Conveniently positioned above it on the highest tube is a SAG indicator, making shock setup a breeze. Each the 150 and 160 fashions share the identical body, with solely the fork and shock differing between them.
The Recreation is on the market in 4 sizes – from S to XL – with attain values starting from 430 mm to 503 mm. Notably, the chainstays are unusually lengthy throughout all sizes, measuring a hefty 462 mm, which signifies a geometry geared in the direction of composure. If you happen to’re on the lookout for complicated geometry changes, you received’t discover any flip chips or comparable choices on the Moustache Recreation. In comparison with the earlier mannequin, the top angle of the Recreation 160 has been slackened by 0.8°, sitting at 64.2°. The seat tube angle is available in at a conservative 75.8°, providing a balanced driving place for lengthy climbs.
| Dimension | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube | 390 mm | 410 mm | 435 mm | 460 mm |
| High tube | 590 mm | 620 mm | 645 mm | 670 mm |
| Head tube | 100 mm | 112 mm | 130 mm | 140 mm |
| Head angle | 64,2° | 64,2° | 64,2° | 64,2° |
| Seat angle | 75.8° | 75.8° | 75.8° | 75.8° |
| Chainstays | 462 mm | 462 mm | 462 mm | 462 mm |
| BB peak | 353 mm | 353 mm | 353 mm | 353 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,233 mm | 1,266 mm | 1,295 mm | 1,322 mm |
| Attain | 430 mm | 460 mm | 480 mm | 503 mm |
| Stack | 625 mm | 636 mm | 652 mm | 662 mm |
The brand new 2025 Moustache Recreation 160 on take a look at
Beginning your trip on a reasonable forest path, the Moustache Recreation locations you in a central driving place,making you are feeling relaxed from the get go. The upright, relaxed place is appropriate for lengthy days within the saddle. It’s uphill the place the bike actually shines, climbing like a snowcat on a black ski slope, and leaving little doubt about its uphill efficiency. The driving place is neither too aggressive nor overly stretched, and even with full motor assist in Turbo mode, the entrance finish doesn’t elevate off the bottom to the purpose the place you are feeling thrown backwards. There’s At all times sufficient stress on the entrance wheel, which makes the bike manoeuvrable always. The lengthy chainstays and balanced driving place make it easier to sort out steep, technical climbs with confidence. The brand new Bosch Efficiency Line CX motor, delivering 85 Nm of torque, operates quieter than its predecessor – a giant plus.
Heading downhill, the excessive entrance finish and built-in driving place encourage confidence, even on steep path sections. Consequently, the Moustache encourages you to maintain the fingers off the brakes with out triggering dreaded OTB moments. The tall entrance finish, paired with the lengthy chainstays, gives wonderful composure on quick, tough path sections.
Nonetheless, when the path tightens up with quick, consecutive corners and technical sections, the Recreation can really feel a bit sluggish. You could put in a noticeable quantity of effort to navigate tight corners with precision. On flowy trails with rollers and berms, the Recreation additionally requires extra bodily effort to generate pace by pumping by means of rollers and berms. The suspension isn’t essentially the most responsive or progressive, however absorbs large hits and obstacles with nice eagerness.
On quick, straight sections, the Recreation actually reveals its strengths: traction and stability are top-notch, although pop and suggestions take a again seat. If you happen to choose to trip quick and secure, you’ll love the Moustache Recreation, however on tighter, extra playful trails, you’ll have to put in a bit extra effort to maintain it transferring.
Who ought to take a more in-depth take a look at the brand new 2025 Moustache Recreation 160?
The Moustache Recreation is ideal for rookies and riders preferring to depend on their instinct. It presents an easy-to-handle trip that evokes confidence, because of its stability and smoothness. Add to that the wonderful worth for cash, particularly given the high-quality parts and considerate options just like the “Able to Roll” equipment, and you’ve got a strong all-rounder.
Nonetheless, for very energetic and performance-driven riders on the lookout for a progressive, extra responsive suspension, the Moustache might fall quick. The suspension is extra comfort-oriented, which might make it difficult to totally unlock its potential on flowy or technical trails.
Conclusions in regards to the new Moustache Recreation 160
The Moustache Recreation 160.9 delivers an awesome sense of confidence and safety, paired with a well-rounded spec sheet that doesn’t break the financial institution. Due to the sensible Prepared-to-Roll equipment – together with a puncture pouch, software, and body safety stickers – you’ll be able to hit the paths straight out of the field. Newcomers and riders who admire stability will discover a super companion within the Recreation, whereas very energetic and sporty riders might crave a extra responsive suspension.
Tops
- Evokes quite a lot of confidence
- Good spec for the value
- Able to trip straight out of the field with the ‘Prepared-to-Roll’ equipment
Flops
- Suspension lacks suggestions
- Requires extra bodily enter for an energetic driving model
For more information, go to moustachebikes.com
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Phrases: Julian Schwede Photographs: Jérémie Reuiller / Julian Schwede
