2026 Salsa Confluence Flat Bar ESSA 8 - Canyon Red

Confluence Flat Bar ESSA 8 is our light gravel ebike that makes it easier to squeeze more adventures into each day. Ride to the ride, tack on those bonus miles, explore all the spur roads, or bring your mid-ride coffee setup without worrying about weight. MAHLE's X30 hub-drive motor is lightweight and discreet, with 45Nm of torque on tap for a confidence boost everywhere you ride. Confluence's comfortable, stable geometry makes those extra miles and higher speeds feel natural. Three-Pack mounts, rack mounts, and fenders mounts make Confluence the best gravel ebike for adventure; suspension fork and dropper post compatibility plus 700c x 50mm tire clearance expands your capability to cover the roughest roads out there. The Shimano ESSA 1 x 8 drivetrain keeps things simple and dependable, just what you want when you're focused on riding farther.

• Meets UL 2849, and UL 2271 certification

Features

Bar, Stem, Seatpost

• Bar, stem, and seatpost models are spec'd on bikes with the goal of making them as inclusive as possible, such as zero-rise handlebars on small flat-bar bikes to achieve proper stack height

On-Bike Storage

• Adventures require gear and riders should get to choose whether they carry it on their bike or on their body

Electric Assist

• It makes more rides possible
• It gives riders the confidence to extend their range
• It's FUN

Frame Specs

• Design Wheel/Tire Sizes 700c
• Max Tire Outer Diameter Tire Clearance Frame: 50mm
  Tire Clearance Fork: 50mm
• Frame Construction 6061-T6 Aluminum
• Fork Construction Carbon fiber
• Suspension Fork Length (Travel) 40mm
• Fork Offset 51mm
• Rear Spacing 136mm
• Rear Axle Size 10 x 1mm
• Front Brake (Rotor) 160-180mm
• Headset - Upper IS41
• Headset - Lower IS52
• Front Spacing 100mm
• Front Axle Size M12 x 120, TP = 1.5
• Steerer Tube 1 1/8"
• Seatpost 27.2mm
• Dropper Post Compatible Yes (internal)
• Seatpost Clamp 32.0mm
• Front Derailleur Clamp N/A
• Front Derailleur Type N/A
• Derailluer Hanger MAHLE with derailleur hanger
• Bottom Bracket 68mm, BSA
• Crankset (Max Ring) 46t
• Accessory Mounts Rack Mounts Frame: Yes
  Rack Mounts Fork: No
  Downtube Accessory Mounts: No
  Fender Mounts Frame: Yes
  Fender Mounts Fork: Yes
• Bottle Mounts Frame: 2
  Fork: 2 sets of Three-Pack mounts

Additional Features

6061-T6 aluminum frame

Confluence's aluminum alloy tubing is developed specifically for the Confluence frame, and is heat-treated to T6 alloy standards for extra strength and durability.

Carbon fiber fork

The Confluence 2.0 Carbon Fiber Fork is lightweight, comfortable, cargo-ready, and gives you 50mm of tire clearance to play with.

Comfortable gravel geometry

Confluence is designed for stability and confidence on gravel at the higher average speeds riders experience on ebikes. An inclusive fit approach with low standover accommodates a wide range of bodies, abilities, and fit preferences.

Suspension corrected

Confluence is designed to accommodate 40mm gravel suspension forks (sold separately).

MAHLE X30 class 1 hub-drive system

This Class 1 rear hub-drive motor delivers electric assist up to 20mph/32kph, and has a smoother top-end than the previous-generation X35+. It's also one of the lightest ebike systems in-market at 1.9kg, and its low-profile appearance mean that Confluence looks like a regular gravel bike.

45Nm max torque

Enjoy up to 45Nm of assist that feels natural, not overwhelming. The MAHLE X30 system offers three assist levels, and sensors detect when you're pedaling to moderate the level of support generated at the hub.

250Wh internal battery

You can't see it, but you'll certainly feel it. MAHLE's 237Wh iX2 battery is nestled inside Confluence's downtube for added security and stiffness. This battery size hits the ideal combination of efficiency and weight for what we designed Confluence to do.

Capable of up to 421Wh with range extender? (sold separately)

Increase your range with MAHLE'S External Battery Ex1 range extender. Simply attach it to your bottle cage bolts for an extra 171Wh of adventure.

HMI compact remote top tube controller

Minimal and intuitive controller displays battery status and allows you to cycle through assist modes with one button.

Handlebar-mounted controls

MAHLE Duo remote lets you cycle through assist modes and more without taking your hands off the handlebar.

Connected if you want to be

The MAHLE system offers ANT+ connectivity for third party devices, and Bluetooth® for app integration. MAHLE's MySmartBike app allows for customization, metrics, mapping, and more.

Massive 700c x 50mm tire clearance

Confluence fits up to 700c x 50mm tires front and rear so you can ride those lesser-traveled tracks. 700c x 42mm maximum tire clearance when equipped with fenders.

On-bike cargo features

Attach a rack 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, or whatever else you dream up.

Click for Geometrical Chart

Click for Build Kit

Click for Confluence Mahle X30 User Manual

Click for Mahle X30 Quick Start Guide

Click for Mahle X30 User Manual (English)

Click for Mahle X30 User Manual (French)

Click for ASTM 2 Framesheet

?? WARNING:

This product can expose you to chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.