DROP BAR
Confluence Apex 1: $2,999: Rear Derailleur; SRAM Apex 1; Cassette: SRAM PG-1130, 11-speed, 11–42t; Crankset: FSA Omega Megaexo, 40t; Gear inches: 26-101; Brake Caliper: Tektro MD-C550; Teravail Washburn 700c x 42mm, Durable casing, wire bead; Confluence fits up to 700c x 50mm tires. 700c x 42mm maximum tire clearance when equipped with fenders. Complete Bike Weight: 32 lb 2 oz (55 cm frame)
Confluence GRX 600 2x: $3,499: Front Derailleur: Shimano GRX RX810; Rear Derailleur: Shimano GRX RX810; Cassette: Shimano HG700-11, 11-speed, 11–34t; Crankset: Shimano GRX RX600 (46/30); Gear inches: 25-116; Brake Caliper: Shimano GRX RX400
FLAT BAR
Confluence Flat Bar Altus: $2,499: Cassette: Shimano HG200-9, 9-speed, 11–36t; Crankset: FSA Vero Pro, 40t: Gear inches: 31-101
Confluence Flat Bar CUES 11: $2,999: Shimano CUES U6000: Shimano CUES, 11-speed, 11–50t; Crankset: FSA Omega Megaexo, 40t; Gear inch: 22-101
Rim WTB ST i23, 32h
https://www.wtb.com/products/st?srsltid=AfmBOorXzHrMgzeer8yCZfCLNTeoGthTFInqzOhtaLH5CMXDau1fN111
ST rims create an affordable solution to the previously cost-prohibitive hurdle of tubeless mountain biking. UST compliant bead hooks border a tape and sealant-driven inner rim profile, providing standards-based, repeated tubeless consistency. Enjoy the benefits of tubeless riding without breaking the bank. Disc brakes only. Tubeless Ready.
Drive Unit: MAHLE X35+
Ebike Classification: Class 1
Drive Type: Hub-Drive
Max Assist Speed: 20mph/32kph
Range Estimate: 40 miles;
Assist Levels: 3; Walk Assist: No; Throttle: No
Motor Torque: 40Nm
Battery Capacity Watt Hours: 250Wh
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Removable Battery: Removable for service
Estimated Charge Time: 3 hours
Charger Included: Yes
Lights Included: No
Front Derailleur: Shimano GRX RX810; Rear Derailleur: Shimano GRX RX810
Cassette: Shimano HG700-11, 11-speed, 11–34t; Crankset: Shimano GRX RX600 (46/30); Gear inches: 25-116
What is the range? Ebike range depends on many factors, including rider and equipment weight, weather conditions, route choice, assist level and more. The MAHLE X35+ system paired with a 250Wh battery is designed to offer a range of up to 45 miles (72 kilometers) per charge under ideal conditions. MAHLE range-extender batteries (sold separately) greatly increase the ground you can cover with assist.
What is the MAHLE hub-drive system? Confluence uses the MAHLE X35+ hub-drive system, which features a motor integrated in the bike’s rear hub, powered by a battery in the bike’s downtube. It’s one of the lightest, most discreet ebike systems on the market. The X35+ system delivers 40Nm of torque and is paired with a 250Wh battery. This is a Class 1 system that only provides electric assist up to 20mph.
For more information, visit our Why MAHLE? page.
MAHLE range-extender batteries: Mahle Range Extender X35 Get up to 4.5 extra hours of power. Compatible with X35 System. https://mahle-smartbike.com/accessories; bringing the total capacity to 458W.
Attach front and rear racks to your Confluence for serious cargo capacity, or use the sleeker Three-Pack mounts for extra water bottles or our EXP Series Anything Cage HD to pack a cooking kit, extra layers
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There are two main types of sensors: torque sensors and cadence sensors. Torque sensors change the motor's power based on how hard you pedal, while cadence sensors work based on how fast you're pedaling. These sensors are super important because they make your ebike ride smooth and enjoyable.
A MAHLE X35+ system uses a torque sensor rather than a cadence sensor, meaning it responds to how hard you are pedaling, providing motor assistance based on the force applied to the pedals, rather than just how fast your pedals are turning; this results in a more natural and intuitive riding experience compared to a cadence sensor which only measures pedaling speed.
Key points about the MAHLE X35+ system:
Torque sensing:
The primary function of the sensor is to measure the force applied to the pedals, providing more assistance when you push harder.
No cadence sensing:
Unlike some other e-bike systems, the X35+ does not rely on cadence information to determine motor assistance.
Natural riding feel:
This design allows for a more organic riding experience as the motor adapts to your pedaling effort.
MAHLE X35+ system torque sensor versus cadence sensor
Mahle Range Extender x35
https://mahle-smartbike.com/accessories
4.5 hours more
Tree Fort Bikes: $614
Bike Bling: $570
Recommended rider height (from Salsa's Confluence page)
Size / Recommended rider height
49cm: 142cm–150cm
51cm: 150cm–157cm (4.9 to 5.2)
53cm: 157cm–168cm (5.2 to 5.5) / From AI: 53cm: 5'2" - 5'6"
55cm: 165cm–175cm (5.4 to 5.7) / From AI: 55cm: 5'5" - 5'9"
57cm: 173cm–183cm (5.7 to 6.0) / From AI: 57cm: 5'8" - 6'0"
60cm: 183cm–193cm (6.0 to 6.3)
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FROM AI
49cm: 4'8" - 5'0"
51cm: 4'11" - 5'2"
53cm: 5'2" - 5'6"
55cm: 5'5" - 5'9"
57cm: 5'8" - 6'0"
60cm: 6'0" - 6'4"
FENDERS
SKS Bluemels - $63
11815 - B55 Bluemels Fender Set, Black, Fits 700 x 38-47
11816 - B55 Bluemels Fender Set, Silver, Fits 700 x 38-47
Weight: 11815 and 11816: 626g
Front Fender Length: 680mm, Rear Fender Length: 1185mm
Extend your fender coverage by 3.5" on your fenders by purchasing an additional Spoiler! Please note, you will need to drill a hole in your fender to mount the spoiler. For the B53 Fender, you'll need spoiler item number: 10989; https://sks-us.com/products/x-long-mudflap-spoiler?_pos=5&_sid=9ed573228&_ss=r&variant=33875848364164. 53mm size fits the Bluemels B55
https://sks-us.com/collections/fenders/products/bluemels-fender-set-700c-650b-wheels
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SKS Bluemels STYLE Bicycle Fender Set: 11835 - B56 STYLE Fender Set, Matte Black, Fits 700c x 38-47.
Front Fender Length: 960mm, Rear Fender Length: 1300mm.
Flexible spoilers are included with the fenders to achieve even more fender length and extra splash coverage.
https://sks-us.com/collections/fenders/products/bluemels-style-bicycle-fender-set-700c-650b-wheels
SKS Edge AL 56: Urban fenderset. Black U-stay. 56mm wide profile must fit through seat stays and fork legs Fender mounting requires frame and fork eyelets or frame clamps (sold separately).
Fender profile works with tires between 38-50mm wide
Measurements: 740mm front fender / 1200mm rear fender
Weight: 568 grams
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PDW Full-Metal Fenders - $139
The 700x55mm Full Metal Fenders will fit close clearance bikes with 700x47mm tires. Weight: 694 grams. https://ridepdw.com/collections/fenders/products/full-metal-fenders-700x55
Guide to fitting: https://ridepdw.com/blogs/everydaycycling/fitting-your-fenders-a-brief-guide
https://www.rei.com/product/238519/portland-design-works-full-metal-fenders-700c-x-55-mm
RACK
REI says: As of October 2024, this is what we recommend for the rack: https://www.rei.com/product/215563/topeak-explorer-mtx-20-disc-bike-cargo-rack
Explorer MTX 2.0 Disc Bike Cargo Rack
Weight
620 grams
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REVIEWS
https://www.feedthehabit.com/salsa-confluence-gravel-ebike-review/
ISSUES
Battery is not readily removable; only to replace or service it through bottom bracket
Have to plug bike in
Controller: Through app
REI
GRX: https://www.rei.com/product/227439/salsa-confluence-grx-600-2x-electric-bike
Confluence GRX 600 2x: $3,499: Front Derailleur: Shimano GRX RX810; Rear Derailleur: Shimano GRX RX810; Cassette: Shimano HG700-11, 11-speed, 11–34t; Crankset: Shimano GRX RX600 (46/30); Gear inches: 25-116; Brake Caliper: Shimano GRX RX400
Brakes
Yokozuna Ultimo: $330: https://www.yokozunausa.com/shop/yokozuna-ultimo-road-disc-brake-flat-mount-2297#attr=4004,1503
Paul Klampers: $255: https://www.yokozunausa.com/shop/yokozuna-ultimo-road-disc-brake-flat-mount-2297#attr=4004,1503
Growtac Equal $340 for 2: https://growtac.com/en/products/mdcs
Battery Storage
https://mahle-smartbike.com/downloads-1/Battery-cares/EN-X35-end_user_Battery_cares.pdf
Storage
Do not leave batteries unused for extended periods of time, either in the bike or in the storage.
• The storage temperature should stay ideally around 20ºC (68 ºF) (room temperature) and with a relative humidity of less than 80%. It is important to avoid exceeding a temperature of 25ºC (77 ºF), as doing so may cause irreversible damage to the battery. Therefore, it is essential to monitor and control the storage environment to prevent any potential damage to the battery.
o Store the battery or eBike and the charger always in a dry and cool environment, away from any heating source, flammable materials, flame accelerator or corrosive gas. o Don’t expose the battery to cold temperatures for extended periods of time.
• If you are going to store the battery or eBike for long term, make sure to keep their State of Charge (SOC) level between 30% and 60% in order to avoid accelerated deterioration of your battery. Never store the battery or eBike (long term) with SoC below 30% or over 90%. Keep in mind that batteries self-discharges during storage. Be sure to check this level, at least every 6 months (180 days), to confirm that the State of Charge is in these values.
Observe the recommended temperature ranges for use (discharge), charge, and storage of your ebike:
Use: -15–50°C (5–122°F)
Charge: 10–40°C (50–104°F)
Storage: 0–30°C (32–86°F)
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Transporting your Ebike
Avoid transporting your bicycle outside your car when it is raining. All the Mahle pedalassist system components have an IP54 water resistance rating that protects them against rain and splashes; however, the speed of your vehicle may increase the effects of the rain and damage the components
Storing your Ebike
When your bicycle is not being ridden, store it where it will be protected from the elements. The recommended storage range of your ebike is 0–30°C (32–86°F). The storage of your ebike outside these recommended temperature ranges may affect the battery cells and reduce their life and available range.
If you plan to store your ebike for an extended period of time, completely charge the battery before putting it away and re-charge it every 2 months to avoid the battery levels falling below 10%. Failure to do so may affect the battery cells and reduce their life and available range.
Charging
Avoid charging your ebike continuously for more than 5 straight hours, and always charge your bicycle or battery in a place where you have visual access to it so the charger can be disconnected if any source of danger is detected, such as smoke, strange smells, or fire.
Follow these guidelines for better battery longevity: o o o o o o
Avoid storing your ebike in temperatures above 77 F (25 C), in humid conditions, or in cold temperatures for extended periods of time.
Do not store your ebike long-term with a charge below 30% or above 90%. During long-term storage, check the battery charge at least every six months to ensure it is between 30% and 90%, as the battery will discharge over time. If battery is depleted to 0%, charge it as soon as possible. Your ebike may take a while to turn on if the battery has been fully depleted. Never clean your ebike with pressurized water. Use a damp cloth or soap and a soft brush; rinse gently. Do not leave your ebike connected to the charger for longer than five hours at a time.
Storage Do not leave batteries unused for extended periods of time, either in the bike or in the storage. • The storage temperature should stay ideally around 20ºC (room temperature) and with a relative humidity of less than 80%. It is important to avoid exceeding a temperature of 25ºC, as doing so may cause irreversible damage to the battery. Therefore, it is essential to monitor and control the storage environment to prevent any potential damage to the battery. o Store the battery or eBike and the charger always in a dry and cool environment, away from any heating source, flammable materials, flame accelerator or corrosive gas. o Don’t expose the battery to cold temperatures for extended periods of time. • If you are going to store the battery or eBike for long term, make sure to keep their State of Charge (SOC) level between 30% and 60% in order to avoid accelerated deterioration of your battery. Never store the battery or eBike (long term) with SoC below 30% or over 90%. Keep in mind that batteries self-discharges during storage. Be sure to check this level, at least every 6 months (180 days), to confirm that the State of Charge is in these values. • During extended storage or long periods without using the bike (12 months), please charge the battery to 70-80% Status of charge. Please, include a supplementary charge to 50% SOC every 6 months to prevent over-discharge. Not fo
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Bear in mind that every time you charge the battery it will degrade. A charging process from 0 to 100% is considered a charging cycle. Charging 5 times from 80 to 100% equals a full charge cycle.