play_arrow

keyboard_arrow_right

skip_previous play_arrow skip_next
00:00 00:00
playlist_play chevron_left
volume_up
chevron_left

Gear Talk

A Bike Review: The Salsa Tributary

Adam X Sauerwein October 29, 2024


Background
share close

A Bike Review: The Salsa Tributary SUS Apex Eagle

The Salsa Tributary SUS Apex Eagle is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile e-bike, whether for commuting or Adventure E-Touring. Salsa has seemingly created its own category with this model. Here’s a closer look at what makes this bike a strong option.

 

salsa tributary

(Stock Image from www.SalsaCycles.com)

Design & Build Quality
The Salsa Tributary features a sturdy aluminum frame that balances durability and performance. Its sleek design, which includes a built-in battery and multiple mounting options, along with a 120mm fork, is sure to turn heads and spark questions from strangers while riding. The bike’s geometry is comfortable, making it suitable for longer rides but aggressive enough for tight single track.

salsa tributary

Performance
Equipped with a powerful Bosch motor, this bike offers smooth acceleration and can assist you in reaching speeds of up to 28 mph. Its impressive torque (85nm) makes hill climbing effortless, allowing you to tackle steep inclines with ease. Whether you’re commuting or exploring new trails, this bike handles a variety of terrain. I’ve taken it on some of the steepest singletrack in my area, and I found that this bike is always eager for more. 

Battery Life
The 625Wh battery provides an impressive range, allowing for up to 72 miles on a single charge, depending on your riding style and the terrain. This feature enables you to enjoy extended rides without constantly worrying about recharging. The battery is integrated into the frame, which enhances its stiffness and overall feel, but it may be somewhat inconvenient for bike touring, as you’ll need to bring the entire bike in for charging. Salsa also offers a 250Wh range extender that fits perfectly into a bottle cage slot. As someone new to the e-bike world, I initially struggled with range anxiety during my early rides. However, I gradually built confidence in the battery’s range and found myself pushing its limits, easily achieving 70 miles on a single charge.

 

Comfort & Handling
The Salsa Tributary offers a comfortable saddle and ergonomic handlebars, ensuring a pleasant riding experience. Its high-quality suspension absorbs bumps, providing a smooth ride even on rougher paths. The Tributary is a versatile blend of touring, gravel, and old-school hardtail styles, making it an exceptional bike.  During my rides, I was powered by the Bosch motor, which encouraged me to push my limits on road climbs. I could then swiftly transition to a challenging single track, and the Tributary handled everything I encountered effortlessly.  The toughest decision when riding this bike is which route to choose, as the Tributary is eager to tackle a variety of terrains.

salsa tributary

Additional Features
The SRAM Apex Eagle drivetrain features a wide-range 12-speed cassette that ensures smooth and effortless shifting every time. The Tributary frame is designed to accommodate tires up to 29 x 2.6 inches (or 29 x 2.4 inches with fenders). You’ll appreciate the improved traction and comfort provided by larger tires, especially when navigating rugged roads at the higher speeds that eBikes can achieve. Additionally, the Tributary is compatible with 30.9mm dropper posts and maintains a clean look with internal cable routing. As the terrain becomes more technical, being able to get lower on the bike will enhance your control.

salsa tributary

 

Conclusion
Salsa Tributary is the ultimate adventure e-bike, embodying the “quiver killer” ethos for riders who crave versatility. Its robust alloy frame and powerful Bosch motor make it a reliable companion on any terrain, whether you’re tackling steep hills, cruising streets, or loading it up for the ultimate bike-packing adventure.  I struggled to find a ride or route that wasn’t suitable for the Tributary and I found myself attempting to push the limits of what this bike is truly capable of.  

Tagged as: .

Rate it
Author

Adam X Sauerwein

AdamX is a writer, podcast host, dedicated coffee- lover, and seasoned adventurer who has a passion for living life to the fullest. With a love of skiing and cycling, he has traveled across the globe to discover new adventures and soak up all the world has to offer. He shares his experiences and the lessons learned along the way. Truly embracing the “Whatever, Whenever” mentality, guests range from Wrestlers to Skiers and everything in between. When not on an expedition into far-flung corners of the planet, AdamX works as a lifestyle and wedding photographer.

list Archive

Background
Previous episode

Post comments

This post currently has no comments.

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *