Moustache J: Technically and Ecologically on a New Level

What is your dream ebike? A full-suspension, nearly noiseless and low-maintenance bike that impresses with its enormous smooth riding? If so, then you’re on the same wavelength as Moustache. The French manufacturer has been building ebikes since 2011. After all this time, he apparently felt he had to change something fundamental and thereby reinvent himself a bit. Well, at least in name it has done so. After all the previous models were based on a day of the week, his latest development is simply called J.

Moustache J

Both the name and the bicycle do not break with the past. Rather, they represent a learning process, a taking up of new ideas and a continuation of previous history. At first glance, the product name seems unusual for the brand. However, it is quite possible that it was derived from jour, French for day. And that would be a direct link to the past.

Sustainability is a top priority

At the same time, it marks a new beginning, which is reflected in several ways in the actual ebike. For example, Moustache is breaking new ground in the production of the frame. A primary aluminium alloy sourced from French and Italian suppliers is gravity cast into two hollow bodies. According to Moustache, we are talking about a unique process in the bicycle world for the production of a complete frame. From the factory in Vitrolles near Marseille in the south of France, the cast hollow bodies are sent to Poligny in the Jura for further processing. From there, they go on to Schirmeck in Alsace for powder coating. The joining of the two frame parts and the entire assembly of the complete ebike finally take place at Moustache’s headquarters in Thaon-les-Vosges.

This supply chain alone, shrunk to less than 1,000 kilometres, is impressive. And the result of the work is no less impressive. Due to its special manufacturing process, you won’t find a single weld seam on the frame. Instead, the outer appearance is reminiscent of a carbon frame. Thanks to internal reinforcements, the strength and stiffness values are probably also at this level. In addition to the aforementioned gluing, an axle and two mighty bearings provide additional support.

Internal lattice structures reinforce the frame while reducing the amount of material needed for gravity casting.

Spring-loaded motor

The motor is suspended from this axle. It and a damper extending from the lower part of the frame are the only two points connecting frame and motor. There is no recess in the frame for the motor. Due to the design with the axle as the pivot point, the distance between the bottom bracket axle and the rear wheel axle remains constant at all times. Therefore, components such as a belt or chain tensioner are completely unnecessary. The energy applied to the crank is transferred to the rear wheel without any losses worth mentioning, which gives the drive an excellent efficiency.

Moustache calls its shock in the rear triangle the Magic Grip Control. It has a suspension travel of 115 millimetres. Together with the suspension fork, this results in an effective suspension system that offers high riding comfort for riding on paved roads. You can also leave the paved roads with a good conscience and enjoy a few kilometres off-road.

The damper can be adjusted to the weight of the rider as well as the preferred riding behaviour.

During the three years of development work, Moustache has obviously dealt intensively with the aforementioned ride comfort on the J. Part of the solution is the dropper seatpost. This is now found on more and more full-suspension ebikes that are primarily designed for riding in the city or trekking. An adjustable stem, on the other hand, is much rarer. The manufacturer also disguises it a little, so that the bike looks elegant instead of therapeutic. This allows the handlebars to be adjusted in height, which is absolutely helpful in the search for the optimal seating position.

With a light intensity of 100 lux, the headlight provides sufficient visibility in the dark.

Ebike system with additional functions

The Bosch drive system is also one of the conveniences. The basis of this Smart System is the Bosch Performance Line motor with its continuous rated power of 250 watts and torque of 75 Newton metres. It supports you at speeds of up to 25 kilometres per hour. Moustache combines it with the new Bosch display, the Kiox 500, which has a 40 percent larger screen than the Kiox 300. Depending on the model, it features a Bosch PowerTube battery integrated into the down tube with a capacity of 625 watt hours or 500 watt hours. The battery is removable from the top and can thus be charged at your preferred location. On the down tube there is a mount for the additional Bosch PowerMore 250 battery. As soon as Bosch provides the necessary compatibility via a software update, nothing will stand in the way of extending the range.

The Bosch SmartphoneGrip is optionally available as an alternative to the Bosch Kiox 500.

The integration of the Bosch ConnectModule in the ebike is also worth mentioning. After all, the Bosch eBike alarm function is based on the GPS tracker. This means you don’t have to worry about whether the tracker will fit under the motor cover. You don’t even need to place it there because it is integrated into the frame as standard. However, you still have to activate and pay for the actual function yourself; Moustache merely provides the basis for it.

Versatile trio

No two days are the same. That’s why the J is available in three different versions. J. on, J. all and J. off are intended to cover as broad a spectrum as possible. The J. on is supposed to be the version that lets you roll over the asphalt the fastest. Either on bike paths or through the city. The Schwalbe Super Moto-X tyres, which are only slightly profiled, offer extremely low rolling resistance. Fortunately, in the 2.4 inch wide version, this is not at the expense of riding comfort. The SR Suntour Mobie 25, installed here, has the least suspension travel of all three models at 100 millimetres. The drivetrain is a stepless gear system from Enviolo. The rear carrier, which is part of the equipment, can carry a weight of up to 27 kilograms. You can attach appropriate side panniers to its mounts, optionally with the QL3 standard.

Moustache J. on

Moustache J. on at a glance

• Frame: Aluminium
• Size: S, M, L
• Suspension fork: SR Suntour Mobie 25 LOR, 100 mm
• Shock: Moustache Magic Grip Control, 115 mm
• Motor: Bosch Performance Line Smart System, 75 Nm
• Battery: Bosch PowerTube 500, Bosch PowerTube 625, optional Bosch PowerMore 250
• Display: Bosch Kiox 500
• Control unit: Bosch LED Remote
• Drivetrain: Enviolo TR
• Brakes: hydraulic disc brakes, 180 mm front and 160 mm rear
• Maximum permitted total weight: 135 kg
• Weight: 30.3 kg
• Colours: Olive Green, Black, Silk Grey
• Price: from 5,999 euros

Those who often ride off-road should perhaps first take a look at the J. all. The front suspension travel increases to 120 millimetres. In addition, Moustache uses the Schwalbe Johnny Watts, which manages the balancing act between asphalt and forest soil much better than the Super Moto-X. As an alternative, a derailleur with eleven gears from Shimano joins the Enviolo. The free-floating rear carrier immediately catches the eye. It is connected to the rear triangle via the shock, which is very pleasant when riding, as there is no load directly on the drivetrain. For the rear carrier, there is a small MIK HD platform for attaching accessories. It is also possible to attach QL3 studs.

Moustache J. all

Moustache J. all at a glance

• Frame: Aluminium
• Size: S, M, L
• Suspension fork: SR Suntour XCR 34 Air,120 mm
• Shock: Moustache Magic Grip Control, 115 mm
• Motor: Bosch Performance Line Smart System, 75 Nm
• Battery: Bosch PowerTube 500, Bosch PowerTube 625, optional Bosch PowerMore 250
• Display: Bosch Kiox 500
• Control unit: Bosch LED Remote
• Drivetrain: Enviolo TR, Shimano Cues
• Brakes: hydraulic disc brakes, 180 mm front and 160 mm rear
• Maximum permitted total weight: 135 kg
• Weight: 30.6 kg
• Colours: Olive Green, Black, Silk Grey
• Price: from 5,199 euros

Originally, there was no plan for a J. off at Moustache. At the presentation of the Moustache J at the Eurobike 2023 in Frankfurt am Main, the manufacturer reported that they only came up with the idea during the tests for the frame. The measured values had exceeded their own expectations in terms of stability to such an extent that a J mountain bike suddenly became a serious consideration. For the sportiest of all three options, the manufacturer chose a suspension fork with 130 millimetres of travel. The size of the wheels increases from 27.5 inches to 29 inches. With the Maxxis Rekon you get fully-fledged mountain bike tyres. Moustache has also increased the brake disc diameter to 203 millimetres at the front and 180 millimetres at the rear. The Shimano Cues derailleur with eleven gears rounds off the equipment.

Moustache J. off

Moustache J. off at a glance

• Frame: Aluminium
• Size: S, M, L
• Suspension fork: Marzocchi Z2 Air, 130 mm
• Shock: Moustache Magic Grip Control, 115 mm
• Motor: Bosch Performance Line Smart System, 75 Nm
• Battery: Bosch PowerTube 625, optional Bosch PowerMore 250
• Display: Bosch Kiox 500
• Control unit: Bosch LED Remote
• Drivetrain: Shimano Cues
• Brakes: hydraulic disc brakes, 203 mm front and 180 mm rear
• Maximum permitted total weight: 140 kg
• Weight: 27.3 kg
• Colours: Olive Green, Black, Silk Grey
• Price: from 5,699 euros

Pictures: Moustache Bikes SAS Cycle Me