The Confluence comes in four builds, two with drop bars and two with flat bars.
A reviewer praises the MAHLE X35+ system's low profile.
One tester enjoys the motor's subtle power delivery and natural-feeling assistance.
The stable handling pleases an expert.
The Confluence frame has multiple accessory mounts, internal dropper post routing, and clearance for tires up to 50mm.
One reviewer says the 42mm Teravail Washburn tires are efficient on light gravel and pavement.
A tester of the Confluence GRX 600 2X appreciates the wide gearing range.
Thanks to its low weight and minimal drag, an expert and multiple owners say riding without assistance is easy.
The Class 1 designation means this bike can be ridden legally on all multi-use trails that accept e-bikes.
Both the rims and tires are tubeless-compatible, but setting the rims up to be tubeless-ready will cost extra.
An optional headlight can be wired into the MAHLE system.
MAHLE sells a range extender battery that attaches to the bottle cage mounts, adding 208Wh.

9 reasons not to buy

A tester finds the top tube-integrated one-button iWOC control hard to interpret while riding.
The Confluence doesn't have a display, though MAHLE has a companion app that connects to the bike via Bluetooth.
Android owners complain of connectivity issues with MAHLE's My SmartBike app.
An expert says climbing requires a lot of effort, even using max pedal assist.
Assistance cuts off sharply upon reaching 20mph, frustrating a reviewer.
An expert finds that the rear-heavy weight distribution decreases the Confluence's agility.
The 115mm drop of the Salsa Cowbell bars is too deep, in one tester's opinion.
A reviewer testing the drop bar build notes a lack of compliance in the bike's front end, resulting in a harsh ride.
The Tektro mechanical disc brakes used on the Flat Bar Altus and Apex 1 builds are disappointing at this price.

Bottom line

The Salsa Confluence is an entry-level electric gravel bike. It comes in four builds: two with drop bars and two with flat bars. Salsa designed the frame with multiple mounts for cargo racks and other accessories. The MAHLE X35+ drive system is discrete and light but lacks the torque needed for steep climbs. There are no reviews of the Confluence Flat Bar. The sole expert review of the drop bar build praises the comfortable geometry, stable handling, and natural assistance. Harsh PAS cut-off and a stiff front end are the main complaints. Overall, both owners and our expert reviewer deem the drop-bar Confluence a solid e-gravel option.

Expert Reviews

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Feed the Habit

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Salsa Confluence Gravel E-Bike Review

Level 1 expert

The Salsa Confluence GRX 600 2x is a confident, comfortable cruiser that wants you to feel like you can ride anything. Just head out the door, take the road to your trailhead, and ride the trails.

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