1. What is a Bicycle Gear Ratio?

The bicycle gear ratio represents the relationship between the number of teeth on the chainring (front gear) and the number of teeth on the cog (rear gear). It indicates how many times the rear wheel rotates for each pedal revolution.

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 revolution but requires more effort. A lower gear ratio provides easier pedaling but covers less distance per revolution.

3. Importance of Gear Ratio Calculation

Details: Understanding gear ratios helps cyclists choose appropriate gearing for different terrain, optimize pedaling efficiency, and select the right components when building or modifying a bicycle.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the number of teeth on your chainring and cog. Both values must be positive integers greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good gear ratio for climbing hills?
A: Lower gear ratios (smaller chainring or larger cog) are better for climbing as they require less effort per pedal stroke.

Q2: What gear ratio provides the highest speed?
A: Higher gear ratios (larger chainring or smaller cog) allow for higher speeds but require more pedaling effort.

Q3: How does gear ratio affect cadence?
A: With a fixed cadence, higher gear ratios result in higher speeds, while lower gear ratios result in lower speeds.

Q4: Can I use this calculator for any type of bicycle?
A: Yes, this calculator works for road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, and any other bicycle with chain-driven gearing.

Q5: What's the difference between gear ratio and gear inches?
A: Gear inches incorporate wheel diameter into the calculation, providing a more complete measurement of mechanical advantage.