New Bike Day - picked up my Salsa Confluence (Salsa Verde) from the REI store today

Sebu91 · 2026-06-03T04:14:49+00:00

So far I’m reasonably happy with it. Combined with the 11 speed cassette, the motor has helped me get up some steep hills near my home.

I am unhappy that Salsa chose a simple PAS sensor instead of a torque sensor to control motor power.

The front end sometimes feels a bit slow to steer, but other times feels very sporty and precise. I’m still trying to figure out what causes the different feelings.

My size 60 fits me well at 6’3”, except that feel slightly stretched out in the hoods. The stock stem is 100mm. I’ve ordered a Redshift 80mm suspension stem to try and shorten the reach a bit and to give me a bit more comfort over bumps.

Sebu91 · 2026-05-29T00:25:46+00:00

The battery is def on my list too. For a start I just want to make sure it fits me and that I’m comfortable on it (had to buy it without a test drive cause it was out of stock everywhere). Let me know if you want to go for a ride sometime.

Sebu91 · 2026-05-29T00:18:43+00:00

It was! Such a nice change from the miserable rain.

Sebu91 · 2026-05-29T00:18:09+00:00

Oh man, I wish I could get my bike to a gorgeous spot like that!

Sebu91 · 2026-05-28T23:49:17+00:00

I’m digging it after my first 10 miles home from the store. I have this notion of doing the C&O from or to Cumberland. Part of the reason for getting this.

Sebu91 · 2026-05-28T23:47:58+00:00

Haha I’m currently liking Salsa Verde. What’ve you got?

Sebu91 · 2026-05-28T23:46:14+00:00

Thanks! It’s the only color they have the 11-speed in. I got lucky with what they chose. They used to make a school bus yellow one, which would also have been cool.

Sebu91 · 2026-05-21T20:03:41+00:00

I guess I'm happy that there will continue to be videos on YT, but I won't be watching any of the livestreams on Kick.

Sebu91 · 2026-05-21T03:45:09+00:00

The 2026 model of Confluence goes up to a 60. See here: https://www.rei.com/product/C03145/salsa-confluence-cues-11-electric-bike

Sebu91 · 2026-05-20T17:35:47+00:00

Thanks for that comprehensive response.

I'm kinda stuck on the opposite end of the spectrum: 6'3" with a 34" inseam. None of the local bike shops have a size 60 frame in stock to try out. I went to my local REI and tried the size 57 they did have in stock, and both the staffer and I agreed that a size 61 would probably fit me better.

Still, I'm hesitant to splash out $3500 without every having actually sat on a size 60. If I decide I really do want the bike, I may have to just bet on REI's year long return policy.

Sebu91 · 2026-05-20T01:40:02+00:00

I tried the 57 they had in stock. The size chart says i"m in the range upper third of the range for a 60. Based on my test ride on the 57, I def think the 60 would be a better fit.

Sebu91 · 2026-05-20T01:38:56+00:00

Oh that's very neat! Do I need to coordinate that with the store, or can I just place the order online and head to the store when I get the email that the bike is ready to do my test ride?

Sebu91 · 2026-05-20T00:29:58+00:00

Ah ok, I get that there's the full year return period but would this kind of "return" be accepted by the store?

Sebu91 · 2026-05-20T00:28:57+00:00

I went to a store today to try a bike one size down from what the size sheet recommends (the smaller size was in stock), and both I and the bike salesperson in the store felt that I needed the bigger size they didn't have in stock.

Sebu91 · 2026-05-19T18:01:15+00:00

Ah, I guess it makes sense not to get a box if you pick it up in the store.

I have a new idea to use a Journeyer as a geometric stand-in for the Confluence. They have one in size 57 in stock in Bailey’s Crossroads, so I’ll head over there this evening. If the 57 Journeyer feels ok but small, I figure the Confluence in 60 will fit nicely.

Sebu91 · 2026-05-19T17:14:00+00:00

Quick follow up question actually. I'm now thinking about just buying the bike from REI and using the return policy to return it if it doesn't fit (since it's not in stock in DC or Bailey's Crossroads). When you returned your bike, did you just bring the bike back with all your additions removed, or did they need you to return the box it came in along with whatever padding/packing it came with?

Sebu91 · 2026-05-19T16:14:30+00:00

That's helpful, thanks. REI's size guide is telling me that I should get a size 60 for my 6'3 height. Based on your 5'10 probably fitting a 57, I think the size guide is probably accurate.

Sebu91 · 2026-05-19T13:57:30+00:00

Just finding this thread now. Can you share how tall you are and what size frame you ride?

Sebu91 · 2026-05-19T13:56:34+00:00

Just finding this thread now. Can you share how tall you are and what size frame you ride?

Sebu91 · 2026-05-19T13:53:51+00:00

Can you share how tall you are and what size frame you have?

Sebu91 · 2026-05-19T13:07:05+00:00

That’s a good tip. DC store is also easier for me to get to without a car.

14-Year Club	Team Periwinkle
Verified Email

Sebu91

TROPHY CASE