1. What is a Gear Speed Calculator for Bikes?

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

Purpose: It helps cyclists understand how different gear combinations and pedaling rates 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 Gear Speed Calculation

Details: Understanding this relationship helps cyclists choose optimal gears for different conditions and maintain efficient pedaling cadences.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your cadence (typical range 60-100 rpm), gear ratio (e.g., 50/11 ≈ 4.55), and wheel circumference (default 2.1m for 700c wheels). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical cycling cadence?
A: Most cyclists maintain 80-100 rpm, with 90 rpm being a common efficient pedaling rate.

Q2: How do I calculate gear ratio?
A: Divide the number of teeth on your chainring by the number of teeth on your rear cog.

Q3: What's the wheel circumference for common bike sizes?
A: ~2.1m for 700c, ~1.9m for 27.5", ~1.8m for 26" wheels (varies by tire size).

Q4: Why divide by 60 in the formula?
A: This converts from meters per minute to km/h (1000m/km × 60 min/hour).

Q5: Does this account for real-world factors?
A: No, this is theoretical speed - actual speed may vary due to hills, wind, or rolling resistance.