From the start the Moustache Samedi Down has a real purposeful shape to its chassis, slack and long, a shape very close to many current downhill bikes in a similar size. The long chainstays means there is slightly more weight up front than normal and the bar/stem fitted was particularly low – however on the hoof the Moustache feels super steady, with little weight transfer as the bike enters corners with both wheels drifting rather than one or the other. The Samedi is totally all-action.

Up front the Lyrik has excellent damping and support and so too the Vivid air at the rear. The geometry on the Samedi allows it to descend quickly but it can also be climbed out of deep holes efficiently. We did feel the bottom bracket could be 10mm lower ideally.

The Samedi could benefit from Sram’s new eight speed EX1 drivetrain with a bigger rear sprocket (to conquer even steeper climbs) and a wider range of frame sizes would be good too. Overall though, this is a quiet bike, an exciting bike and one that can tackle pretty much anything. The shape of the Moustache inspires an all-guns approach to the descents particularly with strong rubber and the supportive dampers.

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