1. What is a Bicycle Gearing Speed Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates bicycle speed based on pedaling cadence, gear ratio, and wheel circumference.

Purpose: It helps cyclists understand how different gear combinations and pedaling rates affect their speed.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( S \) — Speed (km/h)
• \( Cadence \) — Pedaling rate (revolutions per minute)
• \( GR \) — Gear ratio (chainring teeth ÷ cog teeth)
• \( WheelCirc \) — Wheel circumference (meters)

Explanation: The formula calculates how far the bike travels per pedal revolution, then scales this to speed based on cadence.

3. Importance of Gear Ratio Calculations

Details: Understanding gear ratios helps cyclists select appropriate gears for different terrains and optimize pedaling efficiency.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your cadence (typical range 60-100 rpm), gear ratio (e.g., 50/11 ≈ 4.55), and wheel circumference (default 2.1m for 700c wheels). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I find my gear ratio?
A: Divide the number of teeth on your chainring by the number of teeth on your rear cog.

Q2: What's a typical wheel circumference?
A: About 2.1m for 700c wheels with 25mm tires, but this varies with tire size and pressure.

Q3: Why convert to km/h?
A: The formula initially gives m/s, which is multiplied by 3.6 to convert to the more familiar km/h.

Q4: Does this account for real-world conditions?
A: No, this is theoretical speed without considering wind, hills, or rolling resistance.

Q5: What's a good cadence for endurance riding?
A: Most cyclists maintain 80-100 rpm for efficient, sustainable pedaling.