1. What is a Bike Gear Ratio Speed Calculator?

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

Purpose: It helps cyclists understand how different gear ratios and cadences affect their speed, useful for training and gear selection.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( S \) — Speed (km/h after conversion)
• \( Cadence \) — 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 minute based on pedaling rate and gear ratio, then converts to km/h.

3. Importance of Gear Ratio Calculations

Details: Understanding gear ratios helps cyclists select appropriate gears for different terrains and maintain optimal cadence for efficiency.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your cadence (typical range 60-100 rpm), gear ratio (e.g., 50/14 = 3.57), and wheel circumference (default 2.1m for 700c wheels).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

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

Q3: What's the wheel circumference for common bikes?
A: ~2.1m for 700c road bikes, ~2.05m for 27.5" mountain bikes, ~1.9m for 26" wheels.

Q4: Why convert to km/h?
A: Kilometers per hour is the standard speed measurement for cycling in most countries.

Q5: Does this account for real-world conditions?
A: No, this is theoretical speed. Actual speed is affected by hills, wind, tire pressure, and rider position.