Moustache throws a new e-bike into the ring with the Clutch. At first glance, it is rather inconspicuous, but on closer inspection it is a trend-setting trend bike. This is mainly due to the drive. The new Pinion motor is installed, coupled to a gearbox. The classic rear derailleur no longer exists; the gear ratios and the electric drive come from the black box in the main frame. Power is no longer transmitted to the rear wheel by a classic chain, but by an ultra-stable plastic belt from Gates

The advantage of this combination is, among other things, the low maintenance requirements of the gears. Shifting defects are virtually eliminated. And the weight of the derailleur is no longer in the rotating or sprung mass, but centrally above the bottom bracket. This is exactly where the weight is least noticeable and where the bike's center of gravity can be kept low. According to Pinion, around 750 grams move from the rear wheel to the main frame in this way.

Corner values for downhill fun

With the Clutch, Moustache is now also marching into the gravity department. The key figures speak for themselves: mullet design, 170 millimeters of travel at the front, 160 at the rear and a head angle of 64.2°. Initial riding impressions confirm the positioning, the bike's preference is for sloping terrain. The bike is extremely agile to ride and the suspension is as sensitive as you would expect from an e-bike. With the Clutch, Moustache is very close to the gravity genes of classic enduro bikes. The only difference is that it comes with an 85 Newton meter motor and a 780 watt-hour battery. The bike is no lightweight and easily weighs over 25 kilograms. However, this is not really noticeable while riding.

Autoshift: a look into the future

The electronic control of the gearshift is interesting. This enables Pinion to implement automatic shifting, which they call Autoshift. Sensors for cadence and speed ensure that the correct gear is always engaged. For mountain bikers, however, this feature (still) belongs in the subjunctive category: Autoshift does not work on trails, where a few more sensors would have to be included in the shifting process. The technology is quite practical on the easy ride back from the trails on small roads, but the engineers need to go back to the books for trail use. However, automatic shifting is brand new in the cycling world. And brand-new elements have hardly ever worked before, but rather form the basis for the later standard with the first attempts. It was no different with suspension, disc brakes or tubeless tires.

A detailed ride report on the new Pinion motor with belt drive, gear shifting and Autoshift can be found in the print issue N°95 of Ride (PDF download at ride-mtb.com/download)

moustachebikes.com

Impressions of the new Moustache Clutch