1. What is a Gear Ratio Bike Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the gear ratio of a bicycle by comparing the number of teeth on the chainring to the number of teeth on the cog.

Purpose: It helps cyclists understand their bike's gearing efficiency and make informed decisions about gear combinations.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( GR \) — Gear ratio (unitless)
• \( Chainring \) — Number of teeth on front chainring
• \( Cog \) — Number of teeth on rear cog

Explanation: The gear ratio shows how many times the rear wheel turns for each pedal revolution.

3. Importance of Gear Ratio Calculation

Details: Proper gear ratio selection affects pedaling efficiency, speed potential, and climbing ability. Higher ratios are better for speed, lower ratios for climbing.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the number of teeth on your chainring and cog (both must be at least 1). The calculator will show the gear ratio.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical gear ratio for road bikes?
A: Common ratios range from 2.0 to 4.0, with 3.0 being a good all-around ratio (e.g., 39/13).

Q2: How does gear ratio affect speed?
A: Higher ratios allow higher speeds at the same cadence, but require more pedaling force.

Q3: What's better for climbing hills?
A: Lower gear ratios (smaller chainring or larger cog) make climbing easier by reducing pedaling force needed.

Q4: Can I compare different gear combinations?
A: Yes, calculate ratios for different chainring/cog combinations to compare their performance.

Q5: How does wheel size affect gearing?
A: This calculator shows the primary ratio. For complete gearing including wheel size, you'd need to calculate "gear inches".