We have developed a grading system specifically for Adaptive mountain bikes as the grading used for standard mountain bikes does not reflect the use of A-MTBs, this is due to some obstacles having no real affect on mountain bikes and thus being graded as "easy" but can stop an adaptive bike in its tracks.
The trails that you ride will be affected by many things such as fitness level and technical ability so I would advise starting small and working your way up, I would also recommend riding with a support rider that can help if you get into trouble.
You should check that the bike you are riding is suitable for the trail that you intend to ride, we have a page dedicated to the main bike types with suggested use but due to number of manufacturers on the market you should check directly with them if you are unsure.
The trails that you ride will be affected by many things such as fitness level and technical ability so I would advise starting small and working your way up, I would also recommend riding with a support rider that can help if you get into trouble.
You should check that the bike you are riding is suitable for the trail that you intend to ride, we have a page dedicated to the main bike types with suggested use but due to number of manufacturers on the market you should check directly with them if you are unsure.
A-MTB 1
Green routes are the easiest of the trails, they will generally not have any steep gradients so require less fitness and minimal technical ability. The trail itself shall follow these guidelines and generally any bike will be able to manage a Green trail:
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A-MTB 2
Blue routes will start to incorporate longer hills with some steep sections on more uneven surfaces requiring more fitness and technical ability, The trail shall follow these guidelines and for this grade and you will need to ensure your A-MTB is suitable:
If these trails follow existing mountain bike routes, for example at a trail centre, the trail name and on site marker colour to follow shall be clearly stated.
If these trails follow existing mountain bike routes, for example at a trail centre, the trail name and on site marker colour to follow shall be clearly stated.
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A-MTB 3
Red routes will incorporate longer hills with some steep sections on uneven surfaces that will require more fitness and technical ability, The trail shall follow these guidelines and for this grade you will generally require a specific A-MTB that is designed for technical riding, this means a stronger frame, lower gearing and better brakes and off road tyres:
If these trails follow existing mountain bike routes, for example at a trail centre, the trail name and on site marker colour to follow shall be clearly stated.
If these trails follow existing mountain bike routes, for example at a trail centre, the trail name and on site marker colour to follow shall be clearly stated.
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A-MTB 4
Black routes are similar to Red but incorporating more severity such as very tight continuous switchback climbs and steep continuous decents with "must clear" features such as steep faced rollers and rocky decent sections. there may also be very narrow singltrack requireing good bike handling skills.
There may also be continuous steep gradiaent technical climbs requireing good fitness and well maintained A-MTB
Black routes shall not include any large unavoidable drops or gap jumps
There may also be continuous steep gradiaent technical climbs requireing good fitness and well maintained A-MTB
Black routes shall not include any large unavoidable drops or gap jumps