Mustache J in the test: Different… but also better?

Test / E-Bike: The Mustache J has caused a lot of excitement since its presentation at the last Eurobike. The focus is particularly on the innovative production of the frame, which is carried out entirely in France. But the full-suspension low-entry bike also has a lot to offer beyond that.

With the J, Mustache's already extremely extensive e-bike portfolio is enriched by another model. The fully, which is only available with a low step-through, has 120 or 115 mm of suspension travel and, with its three basic variants, covers a wide spectrum between urban everyday companion and comfortable off-road tourer.

The framework: innovation from France

The standout feature of the Mustache J is undoubtedly its frame. Unlike usual aluminum frames, which are welded together from different parts, Mustache uses a casting process for this model. The frame consists of only two parts without welds, which is a novelty in the bicycle sector.

Manufacturing process

Production takes place entirely in France, from sourcing the aluminum from France and Italy to final production. This underlines Mustache's regional ties and also sets standards in terms of sustainability. This is also matched by the special powder coating in three colors, which does not require the usual solvents.

Design and weight

Visually, the frame of the Mustache J is quite impressive and is clearly different from other e-bikes. Organic shapes, no weld seams – viewed from a distance, it looks much more like a carbon frame than its conventional aluminum counterparts. However, the innovative casting process also has its price: the weight of the frame is higher than with classic aluminum frames due to the necessary thicker walls. Despite optimizations such as the use of a honeycomb structure inside to reduce weight, the Mustache J remains a comparatively heavy e-bike. Our J.All test bike weighed well over 30 kg, which is a few kilos more than comparably equipped SUV e-bikes with a traditional frame. Unfortunately, this also reduces the bike's payload to just around 105 kg.

basic concept

The Mustache J is designed as a sporty touring bike that is suitable for both road and light off-road use. With 120 mm of suspension travel at the front and 115 mm at the rear, it offers more than enough reserves for everyday life and even the odd bad forest road.

Different variants and configurator

Mustache offers the J E-Bike in three basic versions: On, Off and All, each of which covers different areas of use. The on-road version is primarily designed for urban use, while the off-road version is characterized by sportier equipment with a focus on off-road driving. The all-road version combines elements of both worlds and positions itself as a versatile SUV e-bike. To meet the different needs and preferences of drivers, Mustache has a configurator on its website. This allows customers to customize their bikes, with the main choices being between derailleur gears, hub gears and different battery sizes. A Shimano 11-speed derailleur gear or a continuously variable Enviolo hub gear with belt drive are available, with the latter offering a low-maintenance and quiet alternative. There is a whopping 800 euro surcharge for this.

Mustache J with drive swing arm

An interesting detail is the placement of the engine in the drive swingarm instead of in the main frame. This is intended to ensure efficient power transmission as the drive train is directly connected to the rear wheel. This means that less energy is lost when pedaling, which should translate into a slightly better range. The disadvantage of this design, however, is that the crank and motor are part of the unsprung part of the bike. Anyone who gets up from the saddle on terrain will clearly feel the unevenness.

Equipment

In the test we had the Mustache J.All with the 625 Wh battery. The other equipment includes a Suntour air suspension fork and the in-house Mustache Magic Grip Control damper. The braking system comes from Alhong and consists of rather slim two-piston brake calipers and small 180 mm discs at the front and rear. The choice of drive is quite unusual: the bike is powered by the Bosch Performance Line motor, which offers a balanced mix of power and smoothness with 75 Nm of torque. In contrast to the more powerful Bosch CX motor, the Performance Line is characterized by lower noise and a more natural driving experience, which is particularly advantageous in everyday use. There is also the new, large Kiox 500 display in all equipment variants.

Pricing and configuration options

The price range of the Mustache J starts at 5.199 euros and can reach up to 6.399 euros depending on the configuration chosen. The most significant price driver is the choice of gears, with the Enviolo hub gear costing an additional 800 euros compared to the Shimano derailleur gear. Customers can also choose between a 500 Wh and a 625 Wh battery (+ 200 euros). Unfortunately, a larger battery capacity of 750 Wh is not available due to space limitations in the frame.

It is also possible to choose an alternative luggage rack. This is attached to the main frame, so it is protected from shocks and offers more space than the standard carrier. There is also an additional charge of 200 euros for this.

The Mustache J All in practice

In practice, the Mustache J is particularly impressive due to its very high level of comfort at a leisurely pace. The chassis allows the bike to glide over poor cycle paths and easy forest roads and should therefore make many touring riders happy. However, if you venture onto real trails, the bike quickly reaches its limits, also because of the limiting, unsprung drive swing arm.

The Enviolo hub gear installed in our configuration showed both light and shadow in the test: On the one hand, there was its high level of shifting comfort and the carefree operation in conjunction with the carbon belt. On the other hand, its comparatively small range limits the area of ​​application somewhat, especially in combination with the slightly weaker Performance Line motor, the J runs out of breath quite quickly on steep inclines. In our opinion, the ergonomics of the twist grip are also not optimal. So if you live in hilly regions or are looking for a companion for the mountains, you should choose the cheaper derailleur gear.

The decision for the Bosch Performance Line motor turns out to be the right choice in most situations: Quieter, more harmonious and more natural than the CX, the small difference in performance is then bearable.

We were positively surprised by the very pleasant ergonomics of the bike: Surprised because the frame of the J is only available in one size - the sizes that can be ordered only refer to the length of the installed seat post; But even at 1,87m, the J was still comfortable to drive. However, it should be noted that the step-through of the bike is very high for a low-entry rider. If necessary, you should try this out before purchasing.