Earlier this week, Salsa Cycles finally launched its new Tributary, a carbon adventure gravel eBike. First teased at Sea Otter in 2023, and then teased some more a year ago, the Tributary is finally flowing into bike shops.
The new gravel eBike comes with mid-drive Bosch power, rack and fender mounts (naturally), a 120mm carbon suspension fork, and clearance for 29 x 2.6 tires.
Salsa’s calling this new bike a “rugged-road adventure bike”, designed to “devour big, burley dirt routes”. By blending the Tributary’s balanced geometry, huge tire clearance, intuitive assist, and onboard cargo, it’s ready for the long haul.
Tributary Frame Details
The Tibutary’s frame is made from high-modulus carbon fiber and runs a 148 x 12 Boost thru-axle and Class 5 VRS (vibration reduction system). It uses an IS52 headset with integrated cable routing and a 30.9mm seat post with internal dropper post routing. There is also internal cable routing with a port for an integrated lighting system.
It uses a flat mount standard for the brakes with 160mm min and 180mm max rotors. There are rack and fender mounts, it’s SRAM UDH compatible, and it sports two water bottle bosses inside the main triangle on all sizes. Salsa has also enclosed the internal battery, which adds to the stiffness and strength of the frame. The Tributary frame accommodates up to 29″ x 2.6 tires (29 x 2.3 with fenders).
The Fork Details
The Tributary uses a purpose-built carbon fork that’s built for compliance, weight savings, and cargo capacity. The fork comes with a 110 x 15mm thru axle and a flat mount brake standard. It uses internal routing for the brake and has abrasion-resistant wear protection plates on the inside of the fork’s legs.
It carries with it two sets of three-pack mounts (one set per fork leg), and has low-rider rack mounts as well. The suspension-corrected rigid fork, and the 120mm travel fork option both have clearance for 29 x 3.0″ tires (29 x 2.4″ with fender).
The Bosch Drive System
The Bosch Performance Line Speed drive system that comes with the Tributary uses a multi-sensor approach. This delivers a controlled and natural feel when riding the bike. It delivers 85Nm of torque and up to 28mph max assist.
The internal 625Wh Bosch PowerTube is fully enclosed, but removable through the motor opening for service. Also, the charge port is located on the motor node. It’s capable of up to 875Wh using the Bosch PowerMore 250Wh range extender battery.
The Tributary uses the Bosch BRC3100 top tube controller, but a handlebar 31.8 Mini Remote will be available in the fall of 2025. You can tune the riding modes to fit your needs via the Bosch Flow app.
Tributary Geometry
The bikes will be coming in five sizes: XS, S, M, L, and XL. Let’s take a look at the different models…
Tributary C Force XO AXS
Retail: $7999
Notable Spec
- Fox 34 Factory, 120mm travel
- SRAM Force AXS controls with XO Eagle AXS Transmission drivetrain
- WTB CZR carbon 30 wheelset with Teravail Ehline 29 x 2.3″ Durable-casing tires
- TranzX dropper post
Tributary C Rival GX AXS
Retail: $6499
Notable Spec
- Fox 34 Performance Elite, 120mm travel
- SRAM Rival AXS controls with GX Eagle AXS Transmission drivetrain
- WTB HTZ Trail i27 rims with Teravail Ehline 29 x 2.3″ Durable-casing tires
- TranzX dropper post
Tributary C GRX 820
Retail: $5499
Notable Spec
- Tributary Carbon Rigid Fork
- Shimano GRX 820 1×12 drivetrain
- WTB CZR carbon 30 wheelset with Teravail Ehline 29 x 2.3″ Durable-casing tires
- TranzX dropper post
