New 2025 Moustache Game – two-in-one e-bike with new Bosch Performance Line CX motor

With the new Game, French e-bike manufacturer Moustache aims to offer the perfect bike for all types of riders. It combines a fully redesigned alloy frame and Bosch’s 5th generation Performance Line CX motor, providing powerful assistance in all sorts of riding scenarios. Despite the high-end spec, the price remains surprisingly reasonable – could this be the secret to success?

Moustache produce exclusively aluminium e-bikes – except for a balance bike for kids 😉 – and are well known far beyond the French borders. The new 2025 Moustache Game 2025 sure makes a statement. While increasingly more e-bike manufacturers are trying to go incognito by hiding the shock, motor, and battery deep inside the frame, Moustache take a completely different approach. The Game proudly shouts: “Here I am, I’m an e-bike!”. Moustache, which are based in the Vosges, France, have tilted the new 5th generation Bosch motor, giving it a bold, prominent position within the frame. No subtlety here, and the motor is anything but hidden.

The Game is the most downhill-focused bike in Moustache’s model range. The version we tested – the Game 160.9 – retails at € 8,999and tips the scales at 24.88 kg, combining big 29” wheels and 170/160 mm of travel. Alongside the Game 160, Moustache also offers the Game 150 variant, which generates slightly less travel, combining 160/150 mm at the front and rear.

The new 2025 Moustache Game e-bike in detail – one platform for two bikes and endless possibilities

Moustache went all out with the new 2025 Game, and left no stone unturned from the previous Samedi Game. They developed a completely new platform to make room for the new Bosch Performance Line CX motor, which is the star of the show. While delivering the same amount of power as its predecessor, the new drive is a lot quieter, and can be combined with different battery options. And oh, the annoying rattling noise its predecessor makes on rough descents has finally gone! If you want to know more about Bosch’s New motor,read the full review of the 5th generation Bosch CX.

Rather than fully integrating the motor into the frame, Moustache have deliberately left it exposed to allow direct airflow for cooling. The bike’s most unique feature is that the motor is tilted, with the casing facing upwards. The battery is integrated into the downtube but can be removed from the bottom of the frame. To do this, you have to remove the skid plate, undo the axle, and pull the battery out from underneath the motor. It’s easiest to do this with the bike upside down. There’s also an option to lock the battery, with a clever clip-on storage space for the key in the skid plate, so it’s always within reach. Charging is simple too – just unscrew the charging port next to the motor, which is secured with a cord and clips into place by means of a magnet when not in use. This magnetic resting-position is also used, while the Bosch PowerMore Range Extender is connected.

The cables and brake hoses are routed internally and secured at the ports. Only the cable for the new Bosch display runs through the Acros headset. The shock is now mounted horizontally and connected to the swingarm via the proven Horst link suspension system.

A clever touch is the mounting hardware for the battery, which also includes a small pouch for storing a puncture repair kit, which is a perfect addition given that storage space is always an issue with ebikes. If you need tools, Moustache hide a multi-tool with all essential Allen keys in the headtube. As expected, the downtube also features a mounting point for a bottle cage.

The chainstay protector is minimalistic yet effective, ensuring a quiet ride. Along with the bike, you also get a small front and rear fender, and frame protection stickers, available in various colours and with several logo options. Practical as ever, the “Ready-to-Roll” kit, which includes fenders, frame protection, tools, and a puncture kit, comes as standard with every Game model.

The Specs of the 2025 Moustache Game 160.9

The Moustache Game 160 is the downhill-oriented variant, and its spec list makes that clear. With 170 mm of travel up front and 160 mm at the rear, this version is designed to tackle tough trails. FOX supply the 38 Factory fork, which offers countless adjustment options and delivers an excellent performance on the trail. At the rear, a FOX Float X Factory shock manages 160mm of travel, and allows you to adjust both the compression stage and rebound.

The motor is paired with Bosch’s bar-mounted Purion 400 display and the wireless System Controller, which allows you to change the riding modes. Shifting is taken care of by a 12-speed , electronic SRAM X0 AXS Transmission drivetrain, which has a wide 520% gear range. It’s connected directly to the e-bike battery and mounts to the frame without a derailleur hanger, making setup simpler.

Shimano XT brakes with a massive 220 mm rotor at the front and 203 mm disc at the rear ensure powerful and reliable deceleration . FOX also supply the Transfer dropper post, which, at 150 mm in size M, limits freedom of movement slightly, especially given the downhill-oriented nature of the bike.

For the wheels, Moustache combine their in-house carbon rims withMavic hubs, a combination that is meant to keep down the weight of the Game 160.9. The rims are paired with Maxxis Assegai tires, with EXO+ casing at the front and the tougher DoubleDown casing at the rear– both tires in the softest MaxxGrip rubber compound. The latter delivers excellent traction but isn’t the most durable out there.

Aside from the dropper post, there’s little room for improvement. The Game 160 is well-equipped straight out of the box, leaving very few wishes unfulfilled. Priced at € 8,999 with a 600 Wh battery, it’s a solid offering. For those needing more range, there’s a 750 Wh version available for € 9,299. The total weight remains reasonable at 24.88 kg, especially given the sturdy aluminium frame.

The other spec variants of the 2025 Moustache Game 160

The Moustache Game 160.7 is the most affordable model in the Game 160 range, featuring a FOX Performance suspension. Compared with the top-tier models, it doesn’t come with a fancy Kashima coating and offers fewer adjustment options. The FOX FLOAT X Performance shock does feature an external compression adjustment and also comes in a black finish. Both the drivetrain and brakes come from Shimano’s reliable XT range. The brakes ensure reliable, powerful deceleration, while the big 220 mm rotor at the front and 203 mm disc at the rear ensure good heat dissipation. The cable-operated drivetrain is durable and ensures smooth gear shifts. Priced at € 6,499, the 160.7 comes with a 600 Wh battery, which can be upgraded to the 750 Wh version for an additional € 300

For € 1,000 more, the Game 160.8 offers a significant upgrade in components,retailing at € 7,499. This version comes equipped with a full FOX Factory suspension consisting of a 38 fork and matching Float X Factory shock.The fork offer countless adjustment options while the shock has externally adjustable high and low-speed compression as well as rebound. Shifting is taken care of by a wireless SRAM GX AXS Transmission drivetrain. Like with the 160.7 model, Shimano XT brakes provide reliable deceleration together with the 220/203 mm rotors. The wheels and tires remain unchanged from the more affordable 160.7 variant, featuring 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 larger 750 Wh battery. The main differences from the top model are the slightly heavier drivetrain and the aluminium wheels instead of carbon.

In addition to the tested Game 160, there are three other models with slightly less travel. The Trail models combine 150 mm at the rear and 160 mm at the front. These models – the 150.6, 150.7, and 150.8 – all feature Moustache’s in-house Magic Grip Control shock, which we’ve praised previously for its “flying carpet” feel. These bikes also utilise the new Bosch Performance Line CX motor. The wheels are Moustache’s own aluminium rims, with Mavic hubs fitted to all but the entry-level model.

Up front, the 150.6 is equipped with a Marzocchi Z1 fork, while the higher-end models feature FOX 36 forks. Prices for the 150 range from € 5,399 to € 5,999 and € 6,999. All models come with a 600 Wh battery as standard, with the option to upgrade to a 750 Wh battery for an additional € 300.

The Geometry of the new 2025 Moustache Game 160

Moustache haven’t just revised the shock position on the new Game but also made slight tweaks to the kinematics. The shock now sits parallel to the top tube, but is offset slightly to the left within the frame. Conveniently placed above it on the top tube is a SAG indicator, making shock setup a breeze. Both the 150 and 160 models share the same frame, with only the fork and shock differing between them.

The Game is available in four sizes – from S to XL – with reach values ranging from 430 mm to 503 mm. Notably, the chainstays are unusually long across all sizes, measuring a hefty 462 mm, which indicates a geometry geared towards composure. If you’re looking for complex geometry adjustments, you won’t find any flip chips or similar options on the Moustache Game. Compared to the previous model, the head angle of the Game 160 has been slackened by 0.8°, sitting at 64.2°. The seat tube angle comes in at a conservative 75.8°, offering a balanced riding position for long climbs.

Size	S	M	L	XL
Seat tube	390 mm	410 mm	435 mm	460 mm
Top 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 height	353 mm	353 mm	353 mm	353 mm
Wheelbase	1,233 mm	1,266 mm	1,295 mm	1,322 mm
Reach	430 mm	460 mm	480 mm	503 mm
Stack	625 mm	636 mm	652 mm	662 mm

The new 2025 Moustache Game 160 on test

Starting your ride on a moderate forest path, the Moustache Game places you in a central riding position,making you feel at ease from the get go. The upright, relaxed position is suitable for long days in the saddle. It’s uphill where the bike really shines, climbing like a snowcat on a black ski slope, and leaving no doubt about its uphill performance. The riding position is neither too aggressive nor overly stretched, and even with full motor support in Turbo mode, the front end doesn’t lift off the ground to the point where you feel thrown backwards. There’s Always enough pressure on the front wheel, which makes the bike manoeuvrable at all times. The long chainstays and balanced riding position help you tackle steep, technical climbs with confidence. The new Bosch Performance Line CX motor, delivering 85 Nm of torque, operates quieter than its predecessor – a big plus.

Heading downhill, the high front end and integrated riding position inspire confidence, even on steep trail sections. As a result, the Moustache encourages you to keep the fingers off the brakes without triggering dreaded OTB moments. The tall front end, paired with the long chainstays, provides excellent composure on fast, rough trail sections.

However, when the trail tightens up with fast, consecutive corners and technical sections, the Game can feel a bit sluggish. You need to put in a noticeable amount of effort to navigate tight corners with precision. On flowy trails with rollers and berms, the Game also requires more physical effort to generate speed by pumping through rollers and berms. The suspension isn’t the most responsive or progressive, but absorbs big hits and obstacles with great eagerness.

On fast, straight sections, the Game really shows its strengths: traction and stability are top-notch, though pop and feedback take a back seat. If you prefer to ride fast and stable, you’ll love the Moustache Game, but on tighter, more playful trails, you’ll need to put in a bit more effort to keep it moving.

Who should take a closer look at the new 2025 Moustache Game 160?

The Moustache Game is perfect for beginners and riders who prefer to rely on their intuition. It offers an easy-to-handle ride that inspires confidence, thanks to its stability and smoothness. Add to that the excellent value for money, especially given the high-quality components and thoughtful features like the “Ready to Roll” kit, and you have a solid all-rounder.

However, for very active and performance-driven riders looking for a progressive, more responsive suspension, the Moustache may fall short. The suspension is more comfort-oriented, which can make it challenging to fully unlock its potential on flowy or technical trails.

Conclusions about the new Moustache Game 160

The Moustache Game 160.9 delivers a great sense of confidence and security, paired with a well-rounded spec sheet that doesn’t break the bank. Thanks to the practical Ready-to-Roll kit – including a puncture pouch, tool, and frame protection stickers – you can hit the trails straight out of the box. Beginners and riders who appreciate stability will find an ideal companion in the Game, while very active and sporty riders may crave a more responsive suspension.

For more info, visit moustachebikes.com

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Words: Julian Schwede Photos: Jérémie Reuiller / Julian Schwede