top of page

STS TRAIL SCALE

The scale for grading singletrack (STS) is divided into six levels of difficulty between S0 and S5, defined by factors such as terrain, obstacles, slope and curves, on which the degree of riding skill required depends. In Finale we don't have S5 Trails or S4+ but we have some S4.
 

  • S0 – Very easy

  • S1 – Easy

  • S2 – Medium

  • S3 – Hard

  • S4 – Very Hard

  • S5 – Extreeme
     

Trail S0 – VERY EASY
 

Indicates a trail (single track) that is not particularly difficult: for the most part, these are trails with a good grip surface, in woods or meadows, or on firm gravel. No steps, rocks or roots are to be encountered on this type of trail. The trail gradient ranges from slight to moderate, and the curves are always quite wide. S0 trails can be tackled without special technical mountain biking skills.
 

  • ROUTE CONDITIONS: firm terrain with good grip

  • OBSTACLES: none

  • SLOPE: mild to moderate

  • TURNS: WIDE

  • TECHNICAL DRIVING SKILLS: no special skills required
     

Trail S1 – EASY
 

Small obstacles such as not very prominent roots and small stones can be found on an S1 trail. Often the higher degree of difficulty is due to water drains or erosion. On S1 single trails the surface may not be very compact. The slope reaches a maximum of 40% and there are no switchbacks. Starting from S1 level, basic mtb riding technique and good concentration is required. More complicated passages require the ability to dose the brakes and influence the trajectory with body displacement. However, all obstacles can be overcome without special technical riding skills.
 

  • PATH CONDITION: possible loose surface, with small roots and stones

  • OBSTACLES: small obstacles (water channels, erosion damage)

  • SLOPE: <40%.

  • CURVES: tight

  • TECHNICAL DRIVING SKILLS: Basic driving skills are required.
     

Trail S2 – MEDIUM
 

In S2 single track, larger roots, stones, steps, and stairs are encountered in an undemanding sequence. There are often tight turns and the gradient can reach 70% in some passages or sections. Fair mtb riding skills are required to overcome obstacles.
The ability to brake at all times and shift the center of gravity are necessary techniques, as is the ability to precisely control braking and keep the body active at all times while riding.
 

  • PATH CONDITIONS: very often loose soil, roots and protruding stones

  • OBSTACLES: obstacles of various kinds and steps

  • SLOPE: <70%.

  • CURVES: easy switchbacks

  • TECHNICAL DRIVING SKILLS: Advanced driving skills are required
     

Trail S3 – HARD
 

They belong to the S3 category trails with many technical passages over rock blocks and/or roots. There are often high steps, switchbacks and difficult inclines. Slippery and not very compacted terrain will also have to be dealt with. Sections with a gradient greater than 70% are not uncommon.
S3 sections do not yet require trialist riding technique, however they do require excellent bike control, mastery of brake modulation, and excellent balance.
 

  • ROUTE CONDITIONS: technical, frequent overhanging roots and large rocks, slippery terrain and not very firm

  • OBSTACLES: high boulders

  • SLOPE: >70%.

  • CURVES: tight turns

  • TECHNICAL DRIVING SKILLS: more than advanced driving skills are required
     

Trail S4 – VERY HARD
 

S4 describes very steep trails with large chunks of rock and/or challenging passages over roots, as well as a loose or very loose bottom. Nearly extreme inclines, tight switchbacks, and steps high enough to impact the crown are common. To ride properly on an S4 single trail, it is absolutely necessary to possess trialist riding technique, such as the ability to move the front and rear wheel, know how to brake with perfect precision, and possess excellent balance. Only very experienced bikers can tackle an S4 trail. Carrying a bike on such passages is also often quite difficult.
 

  • ROUTE CONDITIONS: technical, frequent overhanging roots and large rocks, slippery and loose soil

  • OBSTACLES: steep ramps, very high steps (often at crown height or more)

  • SLOPE: >70%.

  • CURVES: very narrow switchbacks

  • TECHNICAL RIDING SKILLS: Perfect bike handling and trialist skills, such as shifting the rear wheel in hairpin bends.
     

Trail S5 – EXTREME
 

Grade S5 is characterized by very technical terrain with counter slopes and a slippery surface, extremely tight turns, extreme slopes, steps and very large obstacles in close sequence, including fallen trees. Braking space is very short, when present. Some obstacles can only be overcome by jumping over them. Hairpin bends are so narrow that wheels cannot be moved. Carrying the bike is also almost impossible, as you have to use your hands to hold on or even climb. Only extreme bikers can tackle S5 passages.
 

  • ROUTE CONDITIONS: very technical with counter-slopes, slippery and unconsolidated terrain. May include sections similar to via Ferrata routes in high mountains.

  • OBSTACLES: steep ramps, steps in close sequence difficult to overcome

  • SLOPE: >>70%

  • CURVES: very tight switchbacks with obstacles

  • TECHNICAL RIDING SKILLS: Excellent command of trial technique; front and rear wheel displacement is very limited.

bottom of page