Accessible Flat-Bar Gravel E-Bike with Simple 8-Speed Drivetrain and Wide Cargo Capacity The Confluence Flat Bar ESSA 8 puts electric assist within reach of riders who want an upright riding position and straightforward mechanical simplicity. A lightweight MAHLE X30 hub-drive motor with 45Nm of torque and a 237Wh battery provide enough range to explore familiar gravel routes and discover new ones, while a Shimano ESSA 1x8 drivetrain keeps shift logic simple and maintenance predictable. The flat bar and relaxed geometry make this an ideal entry point to e-bike gravel riding, especially for riders coming from casual bikes or commuters looking for off-road confidence without dropping to road bars. Wide 700c x 50mm tire clearance and compatibility with 40mm suspension forks let you tackle rougher terrain, while on-bike mounts make it easy to add racks, cargo cages, or bikepacking bags. A 6061-T6 aluminum frame and carbon fork keep weight reasonable, and the discreet hub-drive system means this bike looks and feels like a traditional gravel bike rather than a bulky e-machine. Three assist levels and walk-assist mode give you flexibility across a range of riding speeds and terrain. Simple, Confident Gravel Exploration MAHLE X30 Class 1 hub-drive motor with 45Nm max torque and three assist levels, providing electric assist up to 20 mph in a compact, lightweight package. 237Wh battery integrated into the downtube for structural stiffness and security, expandable to 421Wh with an optional MAHLE range extender battery. Up to 45 miles of range per charge under ideal conditions, with walk-assist mode for steep climbs or pedestrian sections. Shimano ESSA 1x8 drivetrain with a single 40t chainring and 11-45t cassette for straightforward shifting and dependable performance in all conditions. Shimano MT200/MT201 hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm front and 160mm rear rotors for confident stopping power. Flat handlebar with upright geometry designed for comfort, control, and accessibility, particularly for riders new to e-biking. 6061-T6 aluminum frame and carbon fiber fork balance responsiveness with strength and compliance. Inclusive sizing with five frame sizes (XS to XL) to accommodate a wide range of rider heights and proportions. 700c x 50mm tire clearance for tackling lesser-traveled tracks, or 700c x 42mm with fenders for everyday versatility. On-bike cargo mounting including front and rear rack mounts, three-pack bottle mounts, and frame bag compatibility for flexible gear carrying. Suspension fork and dropper post compatible for riders who want to expand capability on rougher terrain. HMI compact top tube controller and MAHLE Duo handlebar-mounted remote for assist adjustments without hands leaving the bar. ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity with MAHLE MySmartBike app integration for metrics, customization, and route planning. UL 2849 and UL 2271 certified battery for safety and peace of mind.