STS Single Trail Scale & Riding Technique Levels
For a shared understanding of the difficulty levels (STS Level), it is essential that every biker has a realistic view of what to expect.
My tours adhere to the two levels of fitness and technique in the tables below.I will mention the STS scale, which is more geared towards single trails, in the tour descriptions if necessary.Driving technique and tour level (Level 1 - 5)
Fitness Level
| Fitness | distance | Elevation gain |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 – easy (beginners) | 15 – 30 km | 300 – 500 hm |
| Level 2 – easy (basic fitness) | 30 – 50 km | 400 – 800 hm |
| Level 3 – medium (good fitness) | 50 – 80 km | 800 – 1500 hm |
| Level 4 – challenging (continuous training) | 80 – 100 km | 1500 – 2000 hm |
| Level 5 – difficult (top physical condition, endurance training) | over 100 km | over 2000 m |
Technical Level
| Technical Level | Description |
|---|---|
| Level 1 - easy | Easily navigable, without significant technical requirements, firm surface, slight to small inclines and declines |
| Level 2 - medium | Well and comfortably rideable with simple technical sections such as roots, pebbles, narrow bends, loose surface |
| Level 3 - challenging | Technically demanding route with obstacles such as steps and ledges, stairs, switchbacks and hairpin turns, often with loose surfaces and steep sections. |
| Level 4 - difficult | Technical riding skills required, with steep and critical sections, unsecured areas, tight curves, and pushing sections. |
| Level 5 - very difficult | We're not going |
STS Level in Detail
One might assume that an STS Level 2 out of 5 is easy to drive. "That's not the case."
Serviceliste
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STS Level S0Listenelement 1S0 - S0 trails are more like wide paths than true trails. You ride primarily on so-called forest highways without roots, rocks, steps, etc. S0 trails don't require any special riding skills. Quick facts: Trail surface: firm, grippy surface; Obstacles: none; Gradient: gentle to moderate; Curves: wide; Riding skills: no special riding skills required
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STS Level S1Listenelement 2S1 - On an S1 trail, you should expect shallow roots, small stones, loose gravel, water channels, erosion damage, and a steeper gradient. From this difficulty level onward, basic riding skills and constant attention are required. More challenging sections demand controlled braking and proper body positioning. S1 - The obstacles along the trail pose no problem for mountain bikers with basic riding skills. Quick facts: Trail conditions: loose surface possible, small roots and stones; Obstacles: small obstacles (water channels, erosion damage); Gradient: < 40%; Corners: tight; Riding skills: basic riding skills required
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STS Level S2Listenelement 3S2 - This trail features larger roots, rocks, steps, and small stairs. Tight turns, steep sections, and gradients of up to 70% must be mastered. An S2 trail demands constant readiness to brake, correct weight shifting, controlled braking, and consistent body tension. Quick facts: Trail conditions: mostly loose surface, larger roots and rocks; Obstacles: various types of obstacles, flat drops, and stairs; Gradient: < 70%; Turns: gentle switchbacks; Riding technique: advanced
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STS Level S3Listenelement 4S3 - Numerous technically demanding sections, large boulders and roots are omnipresent. Loose surfaces and slippery sections, gradients exceeding 70%, switchbacks, and high steps demand very confident bike handling skills. S3 requires excellent riding abilities and constant concentration. Correct braking and very good balance are absolutely essential. Trail conditions: technically demanding, numerous large roots and boulders, slippery surfaces, loose scree. Obstacles: high drops. Gradient: > 70%. Curves: tight switchbacks. Riding technique: more than advanced.
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STS Level S4 & S5S4 - Category S4 includes steep, heavily rocky singletrack trails with large boulders or challenging root sections and usually loose, unstable ground. Steep ramps with often extreme gradients, tight switchbacks, and steps where the chainring inevitably scrapes are typical characteristics of an S4 trail. S5 - Trails are characterized by blocky terrain with uphill sections, scree fields, hairpin turns, drops of varying heights that follow one another, and obstacles such as fallen trees. Quick info: No way, we're not riding that!
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STS Single Trail Scale Official SiteThe Single Trail Scale serves as a Europe-wide reference for rating trails and, more importantly, for self-assessment by tour participants. A good description can be found here: https://www.mtblivigno.eu/de/levels-schwierigkeitsgrad
