1. What is Bike Gearing Speed?

Bike gearing speed calculates how fast you're going based on your pedaling rate (cadence), gear ratio, and wheel size. It helps cyclists understand the relationship between their pedaling and actual speed.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the bike gearing speed formula:

Where:

• \( cadence \) — Pedaling rate in revolutions per minute (rpm)
• \( gear\_ratio \) — Ratio of chainring teeth to cog teeth
• \( wheel\_circ \) — Wheel circumference in meters
• 60 — Conversion factor from minutes to seconds

Explanation: The formula calculates speed in meters per second, which is then converted to km/h by multiplying by 3.6.

3. Importance of Gear Ratio

Details: Gear ratio determines how far the bike moves with each pedal stroke. Higher ratios provide more speed per pedal revolution but require more effort.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your cadence (typical cycling cadence is 60-100 rpm), gear ratio (e.g., 50/15 = 3.33), and wheel circumference (standard road bike ~2.1m).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical gear ratio for road bikes?
A: Common gear ratios range from 0.7 (low gear) to 4.0 (high gear), depending on chainring and cog sizes.

Q2: How do I measure wheel circumference?
A: Measure the distance the wheel travels in one revolution, or calculate using wheel diameter (circumference = π × diameter).

Q3: Why is cadence important?
A: Maintaining optimal cadence (usually 80-100 rpm) improves efficiency and reduces fatigue during cycling.

Q4: Does this account for hills or wind resistance?
A: No, this calculates theoretical speed. Actual speed will be lower due to resistance, terrain, and other factors.

Q5: How can I use this to compare different gear setups?
A: Calculate speed at your preferred cadence for different gear ratios to find your optimal gearing.