Sea to Summit

Level 1 (Single Trail Scale 0+1)

MTB
You are happily riding for a few hours and can climb up to 500 vertical meters over the course of a day.

ROAD
Daily stages of 30-60 km with ascents of up to 700 vertical meters. Modest physical condition needed.

Level 2 (Single Trail Scale 2)

MTB
You are happily riding for several hours and can climb between 500-800 vertical meters over the course of a day. You could ride like this for 2-3 consecutive days.

ROAD
Daily stages of 50-90 km with 500-1000 m elevation gain. Medium physical condition and good general fitness are needed.

Level 3 (Single Trail Scale 3+4)

MTB
You can ride multiple days in a row at a moderate pace for several hours each day. You can handle steep climbs of up to 1000 vertical meters in a day, including some pushing or carrying / hike-a-bike sections if required.

ROAD
Daily stages of 80-110 km with 1000-1500 m elevation gain. Good physical condition and regular training required.

Level 4 (Single Trail Scale 4)

MTB
You can ride for multiple days for an average of 4-6 hours of pedal time each day. You can climb 1000-1500 vertical meters each day including pushing or carrying your bike over long sections (30-60mins) if required. You have ridden at altitudes of over 2000 slm+ previously and are happy doing so, although you may have to go slower and take more breaks.

ROAD
Daily stages of 100-140 km with 1200-1500 meters of elevation gain, with some with more than 2000 m elevation gain. Physically and mentally demanding. Difficult climatic conditions and/or extreme altitudes possible. Exceptionally good physical condition and constant bike endurance training required.

Reference: Single Trail Scale

Level 1 (Single Trail Scale 1)

You can ride a bike and are happy riding on dirt roads with gentle climbs and descents.
The trails are comprised mostly of compacted gravel or solid earth with some flat roots and smaller rocks. The surface may become loose at times and periods of stand-up riding may be required to overcome obstacles.

Level 2 (Single Trail Scale 2)

You enjoy riding a single track that isn’t narrow or technical and you know the basics of body position and how to brake and corner safely. You enjoy riding in the mountains if it’s not too exposed or steep. You’d like to learn more to enable you to tackle more technical or narrower trails with roots and rocks.
Trails comprise a loose surface, as well as roots and rocks. Narrow curves and steeper gradients are to be expected. Readiness to brake at all times is required, as is the ability to shift your center of gravity on the bike.

Level 3 (Single Trail Scale 3+4)

You are comfortable riding on narrow single track with some rocks and roots and can proactively ride most trails. If the corners are too tight or the trail is too technical you are happy to walk a few meters, but you’d like to work on your skills to help you ride them.
The trails include blocked singletracks, hairpin turns and tricky traverses. Loose scree and slippery terrain comprise most of the trail. Good command of the bike, excellent balance, concentration, and controlled braking skills required.

Level 4 (Single Trail Scale 4)

You are comfortable riding almost any trail including steep rock sections, tight switchbacks, off-camber sections, roots, and narrow exposed single track in high mountain terrain. You have ridden in the mountains and are not intimidated by sustained, steep descents that include all these features. You know when it is better to get off the bike, but do not have to often.
Exceptional riding skills are required, such as the ability to independently maneuver the front and the back wheels, as well as perfect braking technique and balance.

Reference: Single Trail Scale