The Tributary is available in two builds: Shimano GRX 11-speed with a carbon fork and SRAM Apex 12-speed with a 120mm suspension fork.
Reviewers enjoy the smooth power delivery from the Bosch Performance Line Speed motor.
A tester of the Tributary Sus Apex Eagle feels confident tackling singletrack and technical terrain.
Experts relish the powerful motor's ability to reach 28mph for riding on pavement.
Bosch's app allows pedal assist customization, ride tracking, and more.
The frame has rear rack mounts and clearance for tires as wide as 2.6" (2.4" with fenders).
A tester says the Tributary feels planted and stable thanks in part to the low center of gravity.
Experts praise the Sus Apex’s RockShox 35 Gold suspension fork ride-smoothing effect over rough gravel.
A tester confirms the range estimator is accurate.
Reviewers appreciate the range from the 625Wh battery, though it adds significant weight. Buyers can also purchase a range extender.
The Tributary is UDH-compatible.
Reviewers find the Salsa Cowchipper handlebars comfortable. These bars have a 24-degree flare.
The Tributary comes with a wireless and moveable PAS controller.
Bosch's app offers route planning, navigation, PAS customization, and ride tracking.

6 reasons not to buy

At 46lb or 49.5lb, the Tributary, especially the Sus Apex build, is very heavy for an electric gravel bike.
The Tributary's aluminum frame and mechanical groupset are well below average at this price.
The GRX 600 build is overpriced, in one tester's opinion.
There is limited space to fit bags on the Tributary Sus Apex.
One expert complains that riding without assistance is challenging.
An expert recommends avoiding jumps using the Tributary Sus.

Bottom line

The Salsa Tributary is an aluminum-framed electric gravel bike available in two builds: GRX 600 11-speed with a carbon fork and Apex 12-speed with a suspension fork. Both builds have Bosch Performance Line Speed motors and 625Wh batteries. Wide tire clearance, excellent range, confident and planted handling, and comfort impress. The smooth and powerful assistance also earns praise, but testers feel the 28mph top speed is overkill for off-roading. The Tributary is very heavy, the suspension build has limited space for bags, and motor drag makes riding without assistance a challenge. While the Tributary is lauded as a capable do-anything bike, it's seriously overpriced.

Expert Reviews

87/100 based on 2 scored reviews (4 reviews in total)

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Spinistry

Level 1 expert

The Greenbelt Trail & 500 Miles on the Salsa Tributary

Level 1 expert

It’s a great bike. You can take it anywhere. It can do anything and it’s fun to do it… It’s a heavy bike but, with the e-assist, that’s not a huge drawback.

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The Radavist

Level 5 expert

Salsa Cycles Tributary E-Bike Review: A Great Documentary Tool

Level 5 expert

No need for massive fat bike tires, integrated lights, or huge racks — the Tributary is a gravel bike that also happens to have a motor and battery.

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Engearment

Level 1 expert

Salsa Tributary Sus Apex Eagle E-Bike Review

Level 1 expert

The Salsa Tributary Sus Apex Eagle E-Bike is one heck of a nice e-gravel bike… It has been an absolute joy to ride. The build is great, the components are fantastic and the ride is very stable.

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ShiftLess

Level 1 expert

Episode 53 – Not Just E-Bikes, Why Panniers Don’t Work & No Politics in Gravel

Level 1 expert

They’re just trying to make it the beefiest. It’ll take a 2.6” [tire], all-terrain, go anywhere, do anything. It’s a mountain bike. It’s a drop bar mountain bike.

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