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what is considered steep? argument with fellow rider

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jasonjm

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
assuming not easy terrain on single track, such as loose dirt and or lots of small loose rocks

was having "argument" with fellow rider, he reckons almost all single tracks hit 30 degrees slope at some sections and it isn't that hard (these are non DH trails).

I was arguing, no most single tracks the average person rides don't even get to 20 degrees, more like 15 degrees, and 30 degrees continuous slope is really tough stuff.

20 degree gradient = steep
25 degree = challenging
30 degree = really tough
 
#2 ·
jasonjm said:
assuming not easy terrain on single track, such as loose dirt and or lots of small loose rocks

was having "argument" with fellow rider, he reckons almost all single tracks hit 30 degrees slope at some sections and it isn't that hard (these are non DH trails).

I was arguing, no most single tracks the average person rides don't even get to 20 degrees, more like 15 degrees, and 30 degrees continuous slope is really tough stuff.

20 degree gradient = steep
25 degree = challenging
30 degree = really tough
Click to expand...
Most people are not very good at estimating trail grade. Along with that, most people would disagree as to what is steep, very steep, or holy crap that's steep depending on where they ride and experience level.

With all that in mind and assuming "regular" trail riding, I don't think most people could keep a sustained climb (like a minute or more) on a 25 degree grade. Likewise, a 30 degree descent would require good brake modulation and/or a wide-open trail. In either case, even if a rider didn't consider 25-30 degrees fairly extreme, the truth is most trails will become skidded, rutted out, erosion nightmares beyond 20 degrees unless maintenance and conditions are top-notch.

For shuttle trails and lift-access where it is all down and bikes are designed for it, it is a different story, but erosion will still be an issue as rocks and roots get very exposed.

And grades expressed as a % are a whole different story: a 30% grade is just a bit over 15 degrees.... 100% is 45 degrees. So 30 degrees vs 30% is apples and oranges.
 
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#3 ·
ps, there are obviously short g-outs, jumps, ledges and stuff that go 30 degrees or more, but now you are talking about a very small, specific part of a trail, something you pass by in an instant.
 
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Discussion starter · #4 ·
ah hell i didnt even know that the grade and degrees was different

let me go look what i was using as a reference

whats the little mini o symbol? degrees right?

if so I was talking about degrees

and for references purposes of the argument I was talking about sections where the slope is at a continuous degree slope for at least 60 feet in distance
 
#6 ·
45 degrees is considered steep in skiing. ...like double diamond expert only chutes and couloir steep. I would think 30 degrees would be a typical black diamond run at a ski resort.

So, yeah... I think you're right. Some techy trails may get as steep as 30 degrees, but probably just for short sections.
 
#7 ·
Yeah, 45 degrees on snow gets the pucker factor going pretty good. I rode something like that at SnowH2O [heli], and I hesitated, but once I was on the [wide open, treeless, powder-filled] face it was all good. Now 45 degrees on a bike, it would be hard to keep your CG behind the front axle and/or front contact point. Brix may be shat.
 
#8 ·
Based upon Strava data in regards to elevation change and difference, the local DH trail I ride the most averages about a 7 degree slope, with the max around 20ish degrees, although that's kind of a guess. In person, I'd say it's 20-30 at its steepest.
 
#9 ·
Yeah its usually hard for me to tell steepness when I'm on it. This is about 40 degrees at the top for example:


If it were dirt I wouldn't even think about biking down something like that for a continuous distance. I'm sure some people on here could do it though. 50 deg looks like an elevator shaft to me.
 
#10 ·
Yeah, typical DH biking trails (as in trails at Whistler) are in the 6-10 degree range for an average across the whole trail. What someone said about ski slopes is pretty accurate. Most non-DH trails probably don't go beyond 15 degrees for any length of distance (at least the ones around Oregon).
 
#13 ·
genemk said:
Yeah, typical DH biking trails (as in trails at Whistler) are in the 6-10 degree range for an average across the whole trail. What someone said about ski slopes is pretty accurate. Most non-DH trails probably don't go beyond 15 degrees for any length of distance (at least the ones around Oregon).
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From talking with Tyler Morland at Whistler a few years back the 'perfect' grade for a trail is an average of 5%. It tends to provide that feeling of ripping it up without needing to brake often. On Aline any areas above 7% are covered in breaking bumps as they cause most riders to gain speed faster than they like. Bikes trails are flat by skiing standards!
 
#18 ·
Steep where its not walkable at all and riding it is using your back brake as a rudder because slowing down isn't going to happen you just kick it the direction you need to aim while gaining speed and laying way back.

Been on several like that in n.Idaho mountains and here in socal.

Don't know how steep it is but I do know thinking about it before you drop in isn't smart, ride on reaction not so much thought...
 
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