E-road and e-gravel in one? Testing the Moustache Dimanche 28 Road and Dimanche 29 Gravel

E-bike? Aluminium frame? Jack-of-all-trades? Absolutely! With the new Dimanche, Moustache present a comfy e-road bike and a versatile e-gravel bike, all based on the same aluminium frame. We took this multi-talented machine out for a spin on the asphalt, gravel, and trails to see if it lives up to the hype and find out what sets the new Moustache Dimanche apart.

Moustache are no strangers to the concept of a universal frame platform. Previous iterations of the Moustache Dimanche 28 Road and 29 Gravel only differed in their setup, delivering heaps of fun and instilling you with confidence on both tarmac and gravel. To up the game of their e-drop bar all-rounder, Moustache’s development team worked hand in hand with Bosch. The result? An innovative interface for the latest Bosch Performance Line SX light ebike motor.

The motor has been tilted to bring the battery – and thus the centre of gravity – even closer to the bottom bracket. A happy side effect: this new configuration allows the Bosch SX motor, renowned for its power and compact dimensions among light ebike systems. The Bosch Performance Line SX offers 55 Nm of torque, which is 30 Nm less than its full-power sibling, the Bosch CX motor. However, it achieves the same peak output of 600 W, whereas other lightweight motors like the TQ HPR-50 deliver significantly less. This compact powerhouse runs on a 400 Wh battery, which is permanently integrated in the down tube. As such, you’ll need to bring the bike to the outlet to recharge it. However, you can up the range with an optional Bosch PowerMore range extender, adding an extra 250 Wh in place of one of the water bottles.

According to Moustache, development of the new Dimanche focused on integration, design, and comfort. You can instantly recognise the signature Moustache look of the new Dimanche frame with its clean lines and angular tube shapes. The wide down tube houses the battery and seamlessly transitions into the motor interface. It’s only upon closer inspection that you’ll discover some of the finer details of the high-quality aluminium frame. The welds are smooth and neat where they’re visible, the seat stays are artfully curved to provide increased tire clearance, and the subtle branding complements the overall look.

One bike to rule them all – The many faces of the Moustache Dimanche

Moustache aim to appeal to a broad target group with the Dimanche. The Dimanche 29 Gravel, for example, is available in an Equipped version, kitted out with fenders, lights, and a rear rack for everything from commuting, bikepacking, or everyday use. Prefer flat bars for some inexplicable reason? No problem! All models of the Dimanche are available with a flat handlebar 😉. Doing so turns the 28 Road into a fitness or hybrid ebike and the 29 Gravel into a light eMTB. Is that all? Not even close! Sizes XS, S, and M of all the mentioned versions are available with a trapezoid frame featuring a sloping top tube for easy mounting, dismounting, and a lower standover height, thereby accommodating smaller riders. The classic diamond-shaped frames cater to taller riders and are available in sizes S, M, L, and XL. Altogether, there are 14 different options, priced between € 3599 and € 5999. What’s more, Moustache don’t skimp on the frame or drive units of the more affordable models – the price differences come down to the choice of drivetrain, wheels, and tires.

We took the flagship Dimanche 28 Road 6 and 29 Gravel 6 models for a test ride in the stunning French Alpilles. With drop bars, of course 😉. While the two versions have similar names, there’s more that separates them than just the tires and drivetrains.

The Moustache Dimanche 28 Road 6 in detail

The top road-going model rolls on sleek, 42 mm deep Mavic Cosmic S carbon wheels. The 34 mm wide Schwalbe Pro One tires aren’t optimised for maximum aero gains according to the 105 % rule, but they offer a significant boost in comfort and cornering grip – two must-haves on an e-road bike.

Shifting duties are handled by an electronic, 1×12 SRAM Apex AXS drivetrain, configured with a 44 t chainring and 11–44 t cassette. This setup matches the speeds you can expect to achieve on an e-road bike while offering some reserves for steep climbs.

The handlebar is quite wide at 440 mm and, paired with a short 70 mm stem, offers plenty of control. A small remote on the handlebar lets you switch between the support modes of the Bosch SX motor. The bike comes equipped with a Bosch Kiox 300 display, providing all the necessary data. Altogether, the components are perfectly geared towards comfort and control, bringing the flagship version in at € 5999 and 16.2 kg in size L.

The Moustache Dimanche 29 Gravel 6 in Detail

The Moustache Dimanche 29 Gravel is built for off-road adventures. For maximum comfort and control in rugged terrain, Moustache don’t just fit wider, knobbier tires, but also include an in-house stem with adjustable, elastomer-based damping, and a dropper post with integrated suspension. The 50 mm wide MAXXIS Rambler tires are known for providing excellent traction, as proven in our extensive gravel tire group test.

To tackle steep, technical climbs, the Dimanche 29 Gravel 6 features a mullet drivetrain setup, consisting of SRAM Apex AXS controls, a 44 t chainring, and a SRAM X1 mountain bike derailleur paired with a massive 11–50 t cassette.

Other than the wide gear range, the handlebar is significantly wider than that of the Road version, too. The gravel cockpit measures a whopping 500 mm, which is wide even by off-road gravel bike standards. It also weighs more than the Dimanche 28 Road, and the flagship, € 5699 version on test tips the scales at 18.1 kg in size L.

Test debut of the 2024 Moustache Dimanche

To properly test these French smile inducing machines, we headed to the Alpilles in Provence. This picturesque mountain range is definitely worth a trip, offering breathtaking views and ideal conditions for road and gravel riding, and wine lovers alike. Jackpot! 😉

We started our test ride on the road, with a surface varying between smooth tarmac, broken asphalt, and fine gravel. The Moustache Dimanche 28 Road consistently impressed us with high levels of comfort. Surprisingly high for such a sturdy aluminium frame. This is partly due to the relaxed geometry of the frame. While you can ride the Dimanche aggressively, its geometry isn’t race-oriented, offering a short reach to put you in an upright position that spares your back and neck. Another source of comfort is the 34 mm wide Schwalbe Pro One tires, which provide ample cushioning thanks to their high volume and lower pressures.

As we approached one of the countless short, punchy climbs, the Bosch SX kicks in smoothly, amplifying our input on the pedals. Despite its small size, the motor is powerful enough to shuttle us up the hill in Turbo mode with minimal effort. However, we found keeping it in the lower support modes a lot more fun, making you work for it and subsequently feel like you’ve actually achieved something when you reach the top. This sensation of running on your own steam is underlined by the fact that the motor’s assistance fades out smoothly at the 25 km/h limit. At this point, it’s only you propelling the 16 kg e-road bike. On long straights, therefore, you’ll be apt to take it a bit easier, which suits the Dimanche’s character far better than aggressive all-out efforts in an aero pose.

The handling feels familiar from the get-go, with no nasty surprises to catch you off guard. The Dimanche 28 Road feels very composed and never jittery. The steering isn’t as responsive as on a thoroughbred race bike, but you can still navigate fast corners with precision. Thanks to the excellent traction of the 34 mm wide tires instilling your with confidence, going fast is definitely an option. The wide, flared handlebar, powerful brakes, and low centre of gravity bolster your confidence even more. Turns out the Dimanche 28 Road offers everything we’d expect from an e-powered all-road bike. It’s comfortable, composed and confidence inspiring, and has enough reserves to tackle any road conditions and even the steepest climbs.

Time to check if it’s off-road sibling fares just as well! We hopped on the Dimanche 29 Gravel 6 and soared over rough gravel, sandy trails, and the finest gravel paths the Alpilles have to offer. The 50 mm wide MAXXIS Rambler tires give it a mountain bike feel, providing loads of traction, even on loose surfaces. We were also surprised by the bike’s comfort. The elastomer in the stem offers 20 mm travel, absorbing bumps and vibrations with ease. Fortunately, you can increase the elastomer’s preload by tightening a screw, effectively stiffening the suspension, since we prefer a firmer cockpit that doesn’t bounce on fast descents and keeps the handling crisp. Once dialled in, the stem’s damping works a treat, especially combined with the cushioning offered by the high-volume tires. The rear end doesn’t fall short on comfort either: the dropper post provides significantly more freedom of movement on the descents and absorbs shocks when extended. Together with the relaxed geometry and powerful motor, you’re left with a comfy ride on all terrain.

Going downhill, the Dimanche 29 Gravel is a blast. Thanks to ample control, traction, and damping, you can really let rip on the descents. The e-gravel bike performs well on trails too, with laid-back uphill shuttling included! Only the 500 mm wide handlebar feels a bit excessive, making you feel a bit like a bus driver when seated. You’ll appreciate the powerful motor and wide gear range most on climbs with loose gravel, allowing you to reach the summit without breaking a sweat or your stride. The Dimanche 29 Gravel is well-equipped for off-road use and impressed us in all riding situations. Like the road version, the gravel setup isn’t a race bike but leans more towards adventure gravel riding.

Who is the 2024 Moustache Dimanche for?

It might be easier to ask who the Moustache Dimanche isn’t for. Considering the wide range of different builds, it caters to everything from commuting, to bikepacking, epic Alpine passes, gravel adventures, and even some light trail fun. The geometry of the 2024 Moustache Dimanche is pleasantly relaxed on both the asphalt and gravel versions, offering intuitive handling, plenty of control, and appealing to anyone who couldn’t care about KOMs or preparing for races. But an ebike would be the wrong choice for that anyway 😉.

Our conclusion on the 2024 Moustache Dimanche

Thanks to its universal frame platform and numerous build options, the 2024 Moustache Dimanche is extremely versatile. It offers a high level of comfort, intuitive handling, and plenty of support, making it a well-rounded package for a wide range of on- and off-road adventures. The build quality and powerful Bosch Performance Line SX system make it a reliable companion for any occasion. Hats off, Moustache!

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Words: Jan Richter Photos: Jan Richter, Moustache