1. What is Bike Gear Ratio?

The gear ratio is the ratio of the number of teeth on the chainring to the number of teeth on the cog. It determines how many times the rear wheel rotates for each pedal stroke.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the gear ratio formula:

Where:

• \( chainring\_teeth \) — Number of teeth on the front chainring
• \( cog\_teeth \) — Number of teeth on the rear cog

Explanation: A higher gear ratio means more distance covered per pedal stroke but requires more effort, while a lower ratio means easier pedaling but less distance per stroke.

3. Importance of Gear Ratio

Details: Gear ratio helps cyclists understand their bike's mechanical advantage, allowing them to choose appropriate gearing for different terrains and riding conditions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the number of teeth on your chainring and cog. Both values must be positive integers (typically between 20-60 teeth).

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 higher ratios for flat terrain and lower ratios for hills.

Q2: How does gear ratio affect speed?
A: Higher ratios allow higher speeds per pedal revolution but require more power, while lower ratios make climbing easier but limit top speed.

Q3: What's the difference between gear ratio and gear inches?
A: Gear inches incorporates wheel size, while gear ratio is purely based on teeth count. Gear inches gives a more complete picture of mechanical advantage.

Q4: What's a good gear ratio for climbing hills?
A: For steep hills, ratios below 1.5 are common, allowing easier pedaling at lower speeds.

Q5: How do I choose the right gear ratio?
A: Consider your fitness level, terrain, and riding style. Test different combinations to find what works best for you.