1. What is Bike Gear Ratio?

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

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the gear ratio formula:

Where:

• Teeth on Front Chainring — Number of teeth on the front chainring
• Teeth on Rear Cog — Number of teeth on the rear cog

Explanation: A higher ratio means more distance covered per pedal revolution (harder to pedal), while a lower ratio means less distance per revolution (easier to pedal).

3. Importance of Gear Ratio

Details: Gear ratio affects pedaling efficiency, speed, and climbing ability. Choosing the right ratio helps cyclists maintain optimal cadence across different terrains.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Count the teeth on your front chainring and rear cog, then enter these numbers. Both values must be positive integers (typically 20-55 for front, 10-50 for rear).

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 3.0 being a good all-around ratio (e.g., 39x13).

Q2: How does gear ratio relate to speed?
A: Higher ratios allow higher speeds at the same cadence, but require more pedaling force.

Q3: What's better for climbing hills?
A: Lower gear ratios (smaller front or larger rear) make climbing easier by reducing the force needed per pedal stroke.

Q4: How does gear ratio affect cadence?
A: For a given speed, higher ratios require lower cadence, while lower ratios allow higher cadence.

Q5: Should I consider wheel size with gear ratio?
A: For complete understanding, consider gear inches (ratio × wheel diameter) which accounts for both gearing and wheel size.