1. What is a Bicycle Speed Cadence Calculator?

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

Purpose: It helps cyclists understand how their pedaling rate (cadence) translates to actual speed given their bike's gearing and wheel size.

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 by cadence to get speed.

3. Importance of Cadence and Speed Calculation

Details: Understanding this relationship helps cyclists optimize their pedaling efficiency and select appropriate gears for desired speeds.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical cycling cadence?
A: Most cyclists maintain 80-100 rpm, with professional riders often at 90-110 rpm.

Q2: How do I find my gear ratio?
A: Divide the number of teeth on your chainring by the number on your rear cog (e.g., 50/25 = 2.0 ratio).

Q3: What's a standard wheel circumference?
A: About 2.1m for 700c wheels with 23-25mm tires, but this varies by exact tire size.

Q4: Why divide by 60 in the formula?
A: This converts from "per minute" to "per hour" since cadence is in rpm and we want km/h.

Q5: Does this account for hills or wind resistance?
A: No, this calculates theoretical speed based on gearing. Actual speed will vary with conditions.