1. What is a Gear Cadence 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.

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 minute based on pedaling rate and gear ratio, then converts to km/h.

3. Importance of Cadence and Gear Ratio

Details: Proper gear selection and cadence help maintain efficient pedaling and optimal speed for different riding conditions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your cadence (typically 70-100 rpm for road cycling), 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 90 rpm being a common efficient cadence.

Q2: 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.

Q3: What's the standard wheel circumference?
A: A 700c road bike wheel with 23mm tires is approximately 2.1m, but this varies with tire size.

Q4: Why multiply by 3.6 in the calculation?
A: The formula initially gives m/s, and multiplying by 3.6 converts to km/h (1 m/s = 3.6 km/h).

Q5: Does this account for hills or wind resistance?
A: No, this calculates theoretical speed on flat ground with no resistance.