Or you could assume that they live in an area where they spend a significant amount of time climbing in the 10-15º + zone.
For example; Howler - 55 minutes for a decently fit rider, probably 50% of that it in a 12-17º range, the section from the ATV gate to the Howler is more in the 17-30º zone.
My rule of thumb for saddle angle (nose down) is 1º for every 3-5º of average climbing gradient (a bit of sit bone support and personal preference) and yes I have a properly fitted SQ-Lab saddle so I can sit properly, push against the saddle for power and slide forward on a flat comfortable nose for micro adjustment of centre of mass over base of support.
Within that range is the allowance range for height, saddle/ bar delta, leg length and actual pedalling ability (there are a lot of very good descenders who are rubbish pedallers).
And with a good saddle (rounded rear and non hooky nose) on a dropper the nose down angle becomes irrelevant during the descent. Sure the nose up angle does give a nicer leg touch point for getting seriously near out of shape on a descent but one has to compare the energy benefit of a good climbing set up for the 55 minute effort versus the slightly improved saddle angle for the 12-20 minutes of descending.
April 1, 2023, 6:36 p.m. - AndrewR
Or you could assume that they live in an area where they spend a significant amount of time climbing in the 10-15º + zone. For example; Howler - 55 minutes for a decently fit rider, probably 50% of that it in a 12-17º range, the section from the ATV gate to the Howler is more in the 17-30º zone. My rule of thumb for saddle angle (nose down) is 1º for every 3-5º of average climbing gradient (a bit of sit bone support and personal preference) and yes I have a properly fitted SQ-Lab saddle so I can sit properly, push against the saddle for power and slide forward on a flat comfortable nose for micro adjustment of centre of mass over base of support. Within that range is the allowance range for height, saddle/ bar delta, leg length and actual pedalling ability (there are a lot of very good descenders who are rubbish pedallers). And with a good saddle (rounded rear and non hooky nose) on a dropper the nose down angle becomes irrelevant during the descent. Sure the nose up angle does give a nicer leg touch point for getting seriously near out of shape on a descent but one has to compare the energy benefit of a good climbing set up for the 55 minute effort versus the slightly improved saddle angle for the 12-20 minutes of descending.