1. What is a Bicycle Gear Ratio Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the gear ratio (GR) of a bicycle based on the number of teeth on the chainring and cog.

Purpose: It helps cyclists understand their gearing setup and compare different gear combinations for optimal performance.

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. Higher ratios mean more speed per pedal stroke but require more effort.

3. Importance of Gear Ratio Calculation

Details: Proper gear ratio selection affects pedaling efficiency, speed potential, and climbing ability. It's crucial for competitive cycling and optimizing performance.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the number of teeth on your chainring (typically 30-55) and cog (typically 11-36). All values must be positive integers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical gear ratio range?
A: Road bikes typically range from 0.8 (easy climbing) to 5.0 (high speed), while mountain bikes usually stay between 0.7 and 4.0.

Q2: How does gear ratio affect riding?
A: Higher ratios provide more speed but require more effort, while lower ratios make climbing easier but limit top speed.

Q3: What's considered a "good" gear ratio?
A: This depends on terrain and rider strength. Flat courses favor higher ratios, while hilly terrain requires lower ratios.

Q4: Should I consider wheel size too?
A: For complete gearing analysis, consider "gear inches" which combines ratio with wheel diameter. This calculator focuses on the mechanical ratio.

Q5: How do I find my chainring and cog sizes?
A: Count the teeth or look for numbers stamped on the components. Many modern components have the tooth count marked.