We're excited to announce the launch of our new Trail Building Calculators – a comprehensive suite of interactive tools designed to help mountain bike trail builders plan, design, and construct better trails with precision and confidence.
Trail building is both an art and a science. While creativity and intuition are essential, having accurate calculations for technical aspects like jump trajectories, berm angles, and material volumes can make the difference between a good trail and a great one. That's why we've developed eight specialized calculators to address the most common technical challenges trail builders face.
Why We Built These Calculators
As trail builders ourselves, we understand the challenges of translating theoretical knowledge into practical applications in the field. We've heard from many builders who struggle with questions like:
- "What's the right takeoff angle for a jump at this speed?"
- "How much material do I need for this berm?"
- "What's a sustainable grade for this soil type?"
- "How much drainage do I need for this section of trail?"
Our calculators provide answers to these questions and many more, helping builders make informed decisions based on physics, hydrology, and trail building best practices.
"These calculators transform complex trail building formulas into user-friendly tools that anyone can use, regardless of their mathematical background or experience level."
Our Calculator Suite
We've developed eight specialized calculators, each addressing a specific aspect of trail building:
Key Features of Our Calculators
- Physics-Based Calculations: Our calculators use real physics formulas to provide accurate results for jump trajectories, berm angles, and more.
- Interactive Visualizations: Many calculators include visual representations of your results, making it easier to understand the implications of different parameters.
- Unit Flexibility: Switch between imperial and metric units based on your preference.
- Educational Content: Each calculator includes explanations, FAQs, and how-to guides to help you understand the underlying principles.
- Mobile-Friendly Design: Use our calculators in the field on your smartphone or tablet.
Real-World Applications
These calculators aren't just theoretical tools—they're designed for practical application in the field. Here are a few examples of how trail builders are already using them:
Jump Design Calculator
A volunteer trail crew in Colorado used the Jump Design Calculator to redesign a problematic jump line. By inputting rider speeds and adjusting takeoff angles, they were able to create jumps with appropriate trajectories and landing zones, resulting in a safer and more enjoyable riding experience.
Materials Estimator
A trail building company in British Columbia used the Materials Estimator to accurately calculate the amount of crushed stone needed for an armored trail section. This precision allowed them to order the exact amount of material, saving both money and reducing waste.
Trail Grade Calculator
A mountain bike club in a high-rainfall area used the Trail Grade Calculator to determine sustainable trail grades based on their soil type and precipitation levels. This helped them design trails that minimize erosion and maintenance requirements.
Try Them Today
All of our calculators are completely free to use and accessible from any device with a web browser. Whether you're planning a new trail, redesigning an existing feature, or just curious about the science behind trail building, we invite you to explore these tools.
We're committed to continually improving our existing calculators and developing new ones based on your feedback. If you have suggestions for new calculators or improvements to existing ones, please let us know.
Happy building and happy calculating!
– The Mtb Trail Building Team