Monday 27, the emblematic electric bike of the famous Vosges manufacturer Mustache Bikes, is still a reference.
Promising a range bordering on 100 kilometres, this mount equipped with a Bosch Performance Line motor proves to be very efficient on a daily basis.
Sold between 3,000 and 4,000 euros depending on the version, this enduring and very robust bike is cut out for the city, even if it may lack agility.
It can also seduce for long trips on two wheels.
Switching to an electrically assisted bicycle (VAE) to go to work is one of your good resolutions for 2023?
Yes, but how to choose your mount?
Rather than embarking blindly on its search for VAE, "20 Minutes" went knocking on the door of Mustache Bikes, which in ten years has become THE national reference for manufacturers of electric bikes.
The catalog of the Vosges manufacturer still features its iconic "Monday 27", successor to a first "Monday 26" created in 2012 and which has continued to evolve in ten years.
This bike, which remains very expensive, is it still the ideal model for the city?
"20 Minutes" was able to test version 27.3 for two weeks.
A bike that imposes in town
A Mustache Bikes electric bike stands out among all.
With its wide "M" shaped handlebars, the Lundi 27 is symbolic of the brand which enjoys a strong identity in the world of e-bikes.
We are testing one of the three versions of Monday 27, 27.3, sold for 3,499 euros.
There is also a Monday 27.5, better accessorized (3,999 euros) and a Monday 27.1 with a lower battery life (2,999 euros).
Urban, this VAE imposes.
Massive, and visibly robust, it is a proud fellow of 25.5 kg that it will not be easy to get into an elevator (and even less into a staircase).
An important criterion if you live in an apartment and you have neither a cellar nor a secure bicycle garage.
Fortunately, the battery is removable!
Once straddled, the bike reveals a fairly demanding level of comfort.
Its wide, drop-post saddle offers great footing, while its chunky 27-inch Schwalbe tires can take most street bumps, cobblestones included.
A small pothole will remain painless... Designed for users measuring between 1.57 m and 1.90 m, the Lundi 27 invites you to ride in an upright position with its open frame, a bit like on a Dutch bike.
We feel good there.
The aluminum tubular mudguards protect the cyclist very well in wet conditions.
One more.
Powered by a central Bosch Performance Line engine, hitched to a detachable Bosch Intuiva console, the Lundi 27 sets the bar high enough in terms of performance.
The mount is very serious and has several assistance modes accessible using a small joystick: Eco, Tour, Sport, Turbo.
Power and speeds
Our outings in town were satisfied with the Tour mode with a few recurring clicks to activate the Turbo mode (just to lazily ignore the slightest drop!).
The false flats and the small shows disappear as if by magic and there is not a moment when we have to "wet the shirt" for our various trips.
The Lundi 27.3 also has ten gears.
It is therefore very simple to find the perfect combination to associate the most appropriate level of assistance and speed according to the topography and the efforts that you are ready to make.
Even on a very steep climb, we didn't have to provide any significant physical effort...
Delivering a nominal power of 250 W (600 W max), the on-board Bosch motor is ideal in all situations.
The force sensor makes it possible to get rid of a "dancer" position when restarting: the beautiful mechanics of the Lundi 27.3 come into action instantly as soon as you press a pedal.
We covered just over 50 km with the bike without its removable 500 Wh battery running out of steam.
Our weight (a good quintal, thank you end of year celebrations!) and our frequent requests for the highest levels of assistance allow us to reasonably think that with another user and in other conditions, this bike can familiar with the 100 km.
Not bad !
It is also announced with a range of up to 114 km (in Eco mode).
The autonomy simulator offered by Mustache Bikes and Bosch online will allow you to project yourself according to your size and your use...
Braking, finally, with Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes, is extremely responsive, firm, without excess, but well suited to urban use.
Smartphone on the handlebar
The removable center console displays the speed, average and maximum speeds, duration of the outing, time, and allows you to turn on the light.
Via a USB socket, it is even possible to charge a smartphone.
It's a pity that the console screen is subject to reflections, which are particularly visible in sunny weather.
A small integrated lock to be activated to block the rear wheel allows you to stop for a short run, like at your bakery, but it is strongly recommended not to be satisfied with this protection alone and to offer the VAE a lock much sturdier and to anchor it to an attachment point.
We also deplore that the wheels benefit from fixings with levers rather than with nuts.
Not very reassuring… Just as much as the rear rack (which can carry up to 27 km), the solid stand is really welcome for urban use of the bike.
So, good for the service and accompany us to work, Monday 27 of Mustache Bikes?
Without a doubt, yes!
It is a very comfortable, strong, enduring and high-performance bike that lives up to its excellent reputation.
But it is also a bit bulky, may lack agility on congested roads, and may be difficult to store if you live in a building without a bicycle garage.
And it is very expensive.
Given the investment made (between 3,000 and 4,000 euros depending on the version, only from resellers), it would also be unfortunate to only use this bike to go to work.
Monday 27 can be recommended for good walks on Saturday and Sunday, where its "cushy" side will also delight weekend walkers.
high tech
Cowboy 4 bike: A comfortable frame for riding in town but not suitable for a real rodeo
Company
Electric bike: State aid accessible to more households in 2023
high tech
Mobility
Bike
Electric bike
City
Public transport