1. What is Bike Speed Gear Ratio?

The bike speed gear ratio calculation determines your cycling speed based on your pedaling rate (cadence), gear ratio (chainring to sprocket ratio), and wheel circumference. This helps cyclists optimize their gear selection for different conditions.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the bike speed formula:

Where:

• \( cadence \) — Pedaling rate in revolutions per minute (RPM)
• \( ratio \) — Chainring teeth divided by sprocket teeth
• \( wheel\_circumference \) — Wheel circumference in millimeters

Explanation: The formula calculates how far the bike travels per minute based on your pedaling rate and gear ratio, then converts it to kilometers per hour.

3. Importance of Gear Ratio Calculation

Details: Understanding gear ratios helps cyclists maintain optimal cadence for efficiency, plan gear selection for different terrains, and predict speed for training or competition.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter cadence in RPM, gear ratio (chainring teeth ÷ sprocket teeth), and wheel circumference in mm. Common wheel circumferences: ~2100mm for road bikes, ~2200mm for mountain bikes.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good cadence for cycling?
A: Most cyclists aim for 80-100 RPM for optimal efficiency and power output.

Q2: How do I measure wheel circumference?
A: Measure the distance the wheel travels in one revolution, or look up standard sizes for your tire type.

Q3: What's a typical gear ratio?
A: Road bikes often have ratios from 1.0 (easy) to 4.0+ (hard), depending on chainring and sprocket selection.

Q4: Does this account for tire pressure or rider weight?
A: No, this calculates theoretical speed. Actual speed may vary due to rolling resistance, wind, and other factors.

Q5: How can I use this for gear selection?
A: Compare different gear ratios to find combinations that keep your cadence in the optimal range at desired speeds.