1. What is Bicycle Gear Speed Calculation?

The bicycle gear speed calculation estimates your speed based on pedaling cadence, gear ratio, and wheel circumference. It helps cyclists understand how different gear combinations affect their speed at various pedaling rates.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the bicycle speed equation:

Where:

• \( cadence \) — Pedaling rate in revolutions per minute (rpm)
• \( ratio \) — Gear ratio (chainring teeth ÷ cog teeth)
• \( circumference \) — Wheel circumference in millimeters

Explanation: The equation 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

Details: Gear ratio determines how much distance is covered per pedal stroke. Higher ratios provide more speed per rpm but require more effort.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter cadence (typical range 60-100 rpm), gear ratio (e.g., 50/11 ≈ 4.55), and wheel circumference (e.g., 2096mm for 700×23c). All values must be positive.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical cycling cadence?
A: Most cyclists maintain 80-100 rpm for efficiency, though this varies by rider and terrain.

Q2: How do I find my gear ratio?
A: Divide the number of teeth on your chainring by the number on your rear cog (e.g., 50 chainring ÷ 11 cog = 4.55 ratio).

Q3: What affects wheel circumference?
A: Tire size and pressure. Larger diameter wheels or wider tires increase circumference.

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 factors?
A: No, this is theoretical speed. Actual speed is affected by hills, wind, rolling resistance, and rider power.