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Review: Moustache Lundi
Today we'll be reviewing the creme de la creme in the world of electric comfort bikes. With its outstanding design, the Moustache Lundi is a lot of bike to dive in to. Let's see if the juice is worth the squeeze!
What’s it made for?
The Lundi series from Moustache is their flagship entry into the world of practical electric comfort bikes, like all bikes in the category its aim is to help you take more trips by bike and do so in comfort. Based around the Bosch Performance Line motor system the Lundi provides more pep and climbs stronger than the competition; in the end, though it’s built to get you to work, over to do some shopping, out to dinner, and home again every day without breaking a sweat. It comes fully equipped for everyday riding with smartly integrated lights and Moustache’s rock-solid fender/ rack combination. In contrast with other offerings from the company- like the Friday or Samedi- the Lundi offers an incredibly distinctive step-through design and a relaxed, upright riding position.
How does it ride?
The Lundi is easily one of the most smile-inducing urban bikes I’ve ever thrown a leg over (or rather through). It’s a one size bike, relying on the angle of the seat post to give taller riders the right reach out to the bar, which means it’s a very low fuss affair. Just adjust the seat height (after you’ve picked your favorite color of course) turn the thing on and you’re riding. As across all of our Moustache bikes, the Bosch motor feels natural and provides plenty of pep for any unruly hills or headwinds you may encounter. Now, if you’re looking at this category you’ll notice one thing the bike does not provide, a suspension fork, while its competitors largely do. Moustache has instead relied on the ballooning 26 x 2.3” tires to soak up any bumps in the road. For daily riding, they are more than equal to the task. It may not have quite the cushion of a front suspended bike when dropping off a curb, but largely I didn’t notice the lack of suspension up front (aside from in the improved aesthetics) and appreciated the sportier feel.
I test rode the electronic-shifting Di2 version which, while a step up in price, provides some worthwhile upgrades all around. First off, this version moves to an internally geared 8-speed hub allowing a similar range of gearing and far less maintenance than its externally geared siblings. The Di2 electric bike ecosystem is also a treat in itself. Matching electronic shifters on both sides of the bar allow you to choose your gear and motor assistance mode in exactly the same way. There’s even an auto-shift mode if you’re willing to hand your gear selection over to the bike. That said, there is one drawback to all of your ride’s working running off one battery, if it goes flat you’re losing motor, shifting, and lights...luckily it comes standard with a 400wh battery pack (with an option to upgrade to the larger 500 wh version) either should provide plenty of range. On this bike, they’ve even thrown in an upright Brooks saddle because a bike this premium deserves top-notch finishes.
What makes it special?
The Lundi goes toe-to-toe on specs with every other electric comfort bike out there and does it all while being drop-dead gorgeous. You were wondering when I’d get to the looks, right? The aluminum tubing is fat, and square, and clean, and distinctive, and makes for a bike you’ll love being seen on for years down the line. That distinctive tubing allows for the deepest step-through design on the market, meaning you’ll be swinging your leg through the middle with ease. Some people get hung up on true step-throughs (They’re weird! Is it strong? Aren’t those bikes for ladies?) but I love it on a bike like this. An easy-step through truly changes your relationship with the bike. Instead of awkwardly swinging your leg over a fully loaded pannier rack, you breeze through, hit the pedals and take off. On top of all that, using a full-blown 250 watt Bosch motor system may seem like overkill on a bike designed for comfortable city cruising, but I can think of more than a few Wellingtonians (and Kiwis farther afield) who’ll appreciate the extra grunt on a hilly ride home.
How does it stack up?
Well let’s not mince words here, you’ll be paying a premium for the Lundi (especially the Di2 variant I rode) for its stellar design and outstanding component spec. At a fair margin over competing bikes like the Kalkhoff Jubilee and the Smartmotion Mid City, it is a step up in every regard. For the buck though, you’re getting some serious upgrades, the Bosch motor, the Di2 electronic system, the premium finishes. They built this bike to be a car replacement, and for those who don’t need to haul children around the Lundi is more than ready to hit the city streets with you every day and have you grinning ear-to-ear while you do it. All that wrapped up in one of the most handsome packages you’ve seen, and the Lundi makes itself a bike worthy of serious consideration by most urban riders.
