1. What is a Cycling Gear Ratio Speed Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates cycling speed based on pedaling cadence, gear ratio (chainring/cog), and wheel circumference.

Purpose: It helps cyclists understand how different gear combinations affect their speed at various cadences.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• Cadence — Pedaling rate in revolutions per minute (rpm)
• Chainring — Number of teeth on front chainring
• Cog — Number of teeth on rear cog
• Wheel Circumference — Distance wheel travels in one revolution (mm)

Explanation: The gear ratio (chainring/cog) multiplied by cadence determines wheel RPM, which when multiplied by wheel circumference gives speed.

3. Importance of Gear Ratio Calculations

Details: Understanding gear ratios helps cyclists select appropriate gears for terrain, maintain optimal cadence, and predict speed performance.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

• Typical road bike cadence: 80-100 rpm
• Common chainring sizes: 50-53t (road), 32-36t (mountain)
• Common cog sizes: 11-28t
• Standard wheel circumference: ~2096mm (700x23c road bike)

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is wheel circumference important?
A: Larger wheels cover more distance per revolution, directly affecting speed calculations.

Q2: What's a good cadence for efficiency?
A: Most cyclists find 85-95 rpm optimal for endurance riding.

Q3: How does gear ratio affect speed?
A: Higher ratios (big chainring/small cog) produce more speed at same cadence but require more effort.

Q4: Where can I find my wheel circumference?
A: Measure it directly or use standard values (2096mm for 700x23c, 2224mm for 29x2.1" MTB).

Q5: Why are my actual speeds different?
A: This calculates theoretical speed - real-world factors like wind, hills, and rolling resistance affect actual speed.