Just how steep is that hill?

[faphillips]

To some (or all) of you this question may seem pretty stupid:

The steepness of hills is often referred to in these forums, generally as a %.

Am I correct in thinking that if a hill rises 1 metre and is 10 metres long then that is a 1 in 10 hill or a 10% hill, a hill that rises 1 metre over 7 metres would be a 1 in 7 or 14% hill and a brick wall would be a 100% hill?

Theory is great but how do you actually KNOW how steep the hill you are riding up actually is? Are you all riding around with theodolites and tape measures or is it an experience thing?

The reason I ask is that the hill climbing capability of a bike is often quoted but I cant relate that to the hills I have to ride up. There was a time when there were road signs that showed you the steepness of hills however these dont seem to exist anymore and certainly not in towns.

Assitance would be appreciated.

Regards

Francis

 

[allotmenteer]

Hello Francis

These two threads may be of interest.

http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/electric-bicycles/199-measuring-your-hills-percentage-figure.html?highlight=hill+percentage

http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/electric-bicycles/939-silly-question-hill-gradient.html?highlight=hill+percentage

Paul

 

[flecc]

The steepness of hills is often referred to in these forums, generally as a %.

Am I correct in thinking that if a hill rises 1 metre and is 10 metres long then that is a 1 in 10 hill or a 10% hill, a hill that rises 1 metre over 7 metres would be a 1 in 7 or 14% hill and a brick wall would be a 100% hill?

Francis

Far from stupid, very relevant to e-bikes Francis. You've got it right, and the links Paul has provided give you the means to measure.
.

 

[faphillips]

Thanks for that guys.

Read the threads you directed me to which were very helpful. A digital spirit level that outputs in degrees and % may do the trick although in reality I guess that any 2ft length (the length of the level) of road could have an entirely different incline to the rest of the hill. These seem to be available starting at c £30.

Find 60cm Digital Laser Spirit Level with Angle Inclinometer on eBay within, Spirit Levels, Hand Tools, Business, Office Industrial (end time 08-Nov-07 17:11:38 GMT)


Might look a bit of a pratt measuring the hill though.

Francis

 

[flecc]

It's easy to judge by sight an accurate point to measure. I don't worry about how I look when I measure, I just march well out into the road to the smooth band left by L/H vehicle tyres which gives an accurate measure and apply my 50 cm strip and adjust the tape down for readout. The odd car driver coming along seems to be fascinated by what's being done so I'm not at risk.
.

 

[Brangdon]

Am I correct in thinking that if a hill rises 1 metre and is 10 metres long then that is a 1 in 10 hill or a 10% hill, a hill that rises 1 metre over 7 metres would be a 1 in 7 or 14% hill and a brick wall would be a 100% hill?

Correct apart from the last one. 100% means rising 1 metre in height over 1 metre horizontally. A vertical brick wall would have an infinite gradient.

 

[Ian]

Might look a bit of a pratt measuring the hill though.

If you wear a Hi Vis vest and look bored people will just think you're just doing your job.