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Moustache Monday 20: we tried the new version of the king of cargo bikes

Moustache Monday 20: we tried the new version of the king of cargo bikes

It's not easy to evolve one of the best products in a (small) market. Moustache knows this well, and for good reason: the Vosges-based bicycle brand took its time before launching its first electric cargo bike. It was in 2022, and the arrival of the Lundi 20 immediately caused a sensation. A relatively compact longtail (at a time when the shorttail didn't exist) based on the brand's iconic urban bike. It immediately became one of our favorite cargo bikes and a regular buying tip in our guide to the best cargo bikes.

Three years later, Moustache is back at it again and unveils a new version of its cargo bike. More complete, better equipped, and having corrected its minor flaws, is it the future champion of electric cargo? To find out, we hopped on this new Lundi 20 for a ride around Paris. While this is obviously a bit short to form a definitive opinion, it is more than enough for a first opinion on the bike, before a more complete test.

Moustache Monday 20: we tried the new version of the king of cargo bikes

This review would not be as complete if we omitted a detail that will be important later: the author of these lines is also the happy owner of a Lundi 20 for a little over a year. Having driven around 2,000 km with the first version of Moustache's cargo bike, the points of comparison will therefore be regular and documented.

Design: two crucial points that evolve

A slightly distracted glance could undoubtedly conclude that the design is almost identical between a Lundi 20 of 2022 and this year's new version. Wrong! If the general silhouette is essentially the same, two crucial points mark major evolutions in the design choices of the Vosges manufacturer.

The first and undoubtedly the most visible concerns the down tube. There is now only one, whereas there were two three years earlier. At the time, Moustache's explanation could not be more credible: to maintain a level of rigidity that is lacking on a good part of cargo bikes and which makes their handling boring. Three years later, the argument has not changed, but Moustache says it is able to offer a higher level of rigidity while removing one of the two rods. No unnecessary suspense here: in terms of handling, we didn't feel any weakness on this point, the dynamic behavior of the bike is even improving, even if the change to a single tube is not the only reason.

Moustache Monday 20: we tried the new version of the king of cargo bikes

The other element of explanation also comes from the second notable change: the addition of a front suspension fork. Here again, this is a recurring request from users of the first version of the Lundi 20 but which could not be satisfied at the time of design. Indeed, Moustache explains that in 2022, the market for longtails with 20-inch wheels being particularly narrow, it had not found a fork model that met its quality standards. For this new version, it was able to count on the work of Suntour, which finally offers a fork sized for cargo bikes. The result lives up to expectations and, even if the travel remains reduced, it adds not only comfort but also control to this new version of the Lundi 20. This is, in our opinion, one of the major developments of the Moustache electric cargo bike and one of the points on which it differentiates itself most from its predecessor. The latter could already boast of having a rather dynamic ride for a cargo bike, at least quite close to an urban e-bike. On this point, the new Lundi 20 Cargo goes even further, while providing comfort and better filtration of road roughness.

Moustache Monday 20: we tried the new version of the king of cargo bikes

Marginal but essential changes

Moustache could probably have stopped there, but the Vosges native also chose to upgrade a few other aspects of his family e-bike. These are less critical than adding a fork or removing one of the two tubes, but they are steps in the right direction.

On the one hand, there is the addition of a front luggage rack. This will be offered as standard on all versions. Until now, Moustache offered two models to choose from, but as options. The new one sits between the two and offers an additional advantage: being able to carry lighting. This point might seem marginal, but, until now, the optics were located on the front wheel mudguard, therefore relatively close to the ground.

Moustache Monday 20: we tried the new version of the king of cargo bikes

Under this rather practical luggage rack, at the level of the front wheel, we now find an AXA anti-theft device, a simple wheel lock that allows you to make a quick stop without having to take out your chain or deploy your large lock. Again, it's a minor addition, but users of the original Lundi 20 know how few attachment points there are on this model and how an additional lock could make their lives easier.

The Lundi's handlebars are also evolving, and it's to become even more versatile. It must be said that Moustache's classic handlebar, the one that equips its urban range, does not make it easy to add accessories, since it is V-shaped. To remedy this, the manufacturer has simply added a crossbar that runs from one end of the handlebar to the other, making it easier to attach a smartphone grip, for example.

Moustache Monday 20: we tried the new version of the king of cargo bikes

But the most interesting cosmetic change is at the rear, and it concerns the kickstand. This is a crucial point for this family of e-bikes, and until now, Moustache had a relatively classic but effective model. However, once the bike was loaded, especially with children, positioning the kickstand could become more difficult. This is why the manufacturer developed a new solution internally, starting with the original kickstand and adding a new element. This greatly facilitates parking the bike and improves its stability. Now, a kick also locks the position when stopped to avoid any incidents. A simple press of the toe on this new element is enough to unlock the kickstand and get back on the road.

This set of structural modifications has allowed the Lundi 20 to improve its load capacity. This has been increased to 200 kg.

A recipe that still works well

For the rest, the Lundi 20, especially its rear section, has evolved less, and to be frank, there was no reason for the recipe to change radically. Moustache has maintained the aspects it considered essential in the development of an electric cargo bike, including the presence of a telescopic and suspended seat post that allows two users to pass the bike without systematically needing to adjust the saddle. As for the rear part, it is still completely faired (including around the chain) to protect children's feet. Finally, what has not changed either is the size of this cargo bike, one of the most compact on the market at 1.85 m long. This reduced wheelbase is one of the reasons that made it successful, Moustache would have been wrong to turn away from it.

A more suitable Bosch Smart System

In 2022, Bosch's Smart System didn't exist, and Moustache simply integrated the German accessory manufacturer's high-end engine into its cargo bike. Three years later, Bosch developed a specific version of its Performance Line for this type of bike, and Moustache took it on. The new Lundi therefore has a Performance Line Cargo but also the famous cargo assistance mode which avoids automatically switching to "Turbo" mode when the terrain becomes complicated.

Moustache Monday 20: we tried the new version of the king of cargo bikes

Here again, the modification might seem marginal, but over the last three years, Bosch has significantly improved its motor. This one offers more natural and better measured assistance. This isn't, in our opinion, a sufficient reason to replace the first-generation Lundi 20, but it's a definite bonus for those who will benefit from it.

On the display side, the Intuvia gives way to a Purion 200 which is placed on the left side of the handlebar. Smaller and very practical, it will do the job, even if we regret that Moustache didn't opt for a detachable model like the Intuvia.

Finally, the move to the new generation of Bosch also allows for two types of batteries. The user will have the choice from the moment of purchase between a 545 Wh version and another at 800 Wh. The previous version of the Lundi offered a 500 Wh accumulator or the possibility of carrying two at a time in a "Dual" version. This is a slight improvement that will add an extra level of comfort, as range has never been a concern with this electric cargo bike model.

How does it feel on the road?

Our short test loop along the Seine and through a few neighborhoods of Paris gave us a first glimpse of the Lundi 20 Cargo's road capabilities. Like its predecessor, this is where Moustache's model really stands out. Due to its size and design, it rides more like an urban e-bike than a longtail and ends up making you forget about its cargo in the back (except when it asks you to blow its nose, obviously).

Moustache Monday 20: we tried the new version of the king of cargo bikes

With a more dynamic ride than most of its competitors, the Lundi 20 offers a pleasure of turning the handlebars that tends to disappear on some cargo bikes. Its new Magura brakes are also very well balanced and their 200 mm discs have the capacity to reassure when emergency braking is necessary. It is a shame, however, that Moustache did not choose to integrate the Bosch ABS system, a feature that would undoubtedly have increased the price but which could have been offered as an option and which would have made sense on this type of e-bike.

From 4699 euros to 6199 euros: the price of the new product

Rather high-end, Moustache displays fairly high prices on its bikes. Cargo bikes are no exception and the new range therefore starts at 4699 euros. As for our test version, the one equipped with the protection bars and the Enviolo automatic transmission associated with a Gates belt, it comes in at 5899 euros, which is a tidy sum.

Nevertheless, the new feature this year is that Moustache will keep in the catalog an improved version of the first Lundi 20. This will be identical to the 2022 version with one notable exception: the addition of the Bosch Smart System with its 545 Wh battery and its Purion display. With this slightly hybrid version, the entry ticket into the world of cargo according to Moustache drops just under 4000 euros, to 3999 euros precisely.

Verdict of the test:

At first glance, this Lundi 20 is flawless in a renewal exercise that is anything but obvious. Indeed, the initial model has few flaws. Moustache could have been content to correct the most obvious ones and add two colors, but the manufacturer chose to be more ambitious and it did well to do so. The more open frame, the front fork, the new ultra-easy kickstand, these are the most notable elements of progress, as well as a smart system from Bosch that seems like a natural evolution. But Moustache has gone even further by adjusting certain choices, such as the positioning of the headlights and the addition of an additional anti-theft device, which tends to prove that the brand is listening to its users.

Finally, and this is undoubtedly the icing on the cake, the Lundi 20, which was already the most pleasant electric cargo bike to ride, gains in riding pleasure, stability, and comfort. The Monday 20 was already our favorite cargo bike. This new version takes up the torch, and you'll have to be very strong to challenge it.

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