Skill & Endurance Ratings

Which experience is right for me?

ⓘ Our Skill and Endurance ratings explained

Skill Ratings

Skill Rating 1:

I have started cycling recently but have spent a few hours on my bike. I have the ability to operate the various mechanisms of my bicycle such as the gears and brakes. I have some experience riding off-road but I avoid single track. I am able to stop and dismount should I see an obstacle that I am not comfortable attempting. I use flat pedals in all riding situations and have not considered clip-in pedals. I would not enter a mountain bike race or event.

Skill Rating 2:

I have been riding for a while now and have started to add some single track into my cycle rides. I am happy moving around the bicycle to make sure that I am in the correct riding position for the conditions. I can ride with clip-in pedals if I choose to do so. I still prefer dirt roads and jeep tracks. I am thinking of entering a mountain bike race or event.

Skill Rating 3:

I enjoy riding smooth single track and sometimes look to find trials that test my abilities. I consider my bike handling skills decent and have the ability to avoid certain obstacles should I feel uncomfortable with them. I am willing to try terrain that might be uneven like sand or rocks. I have participated in some mountain bike races and events.

Skill Rating 4:

I ride my bicycle regularly and love the challenge of different riding conditions. I am able to climb technical climbs and enjoy descending some steep and uneven trails applicable to my riding style of cross-country, trail, etc. I feel very confident in my riding ability and enjoy testing myself at races or with my regular group of riding buddies. The odd drop-off or rock garden is no problem and I am OK with narrow single tracks with a drop beside it. Mountain biking is an important part of my life.

Skill Rating 5:

I am a seasoned mountain biker with many years of experience. I enjoy finding terrain and trails that are rated as dangerous. I use a longer travel bike that is designed particularly for difficult conditions. I have bike handling skills that allow me to navigate most trails even if I have not ridden them before. I can jump obstacles if required. I usually wear additional safety gear when attempting these kinds of riding conditions. Mountain biking is life!

Endurance Ratings

Endurance Rating 1:

I cycle infrequently. I am able to cycle for around an hour as long as it is not strenuous. I do not actively pursue a level of cycling fitness.

Endurance Rating 2:

I cycle once every week or two. I am able to cycle for around 2 hours including the odd gradual incline. I actively try and maintain a level of fitness, cycling or general. I may enter a 20km race or event.

Endurance Rating 3:

I cycle about once a week and have done so for a while. I try and maintain my cycling fitness and enjoy the challenge of some climbing. I would be happy entering a 40km race or event that could be 3-4 hours long.

Endurance Rating 4:

I ride regularly and try and do so more than once a week. I would be happy entering a 75km race or event and have done a multi-day race or similar. I am able to do a fair amount of climbing, either long or technical. I’ve done a couple 5-6 hour rides. I have done some days of cycling with 1500m of climbing or more. If the trail is too difficult I can hop off and push to the top.

Endurance Rating 5:

I consider myself an endurance athlete. I often partake in very long, difficult rides whether on a race or on my own. I am able to do over 100km in a day even if it includes some challenging sections. I have been cycling for long enough that I can do this kind of riding for a few days in a row. I enjoy the challenge of completing a big day of riding, particularly if it includes some suffering.

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