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Gear Ratio Formula:
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Gear ratio is a fundamental concept in cycling that represents the relationship between the number of teeth on the chainring (front gear) and the number of teeth on the cog (rear gear). It determines how many times the rear wheel rotates for each pedal revolution.
The calculator uses the gear ratio formula:
Where:
Explanation: A higher gear ratio means more distance covered per pedal revolution but requires more effort. A lower gear ratio provides easier pedaling but less distance per revolution.
Details: Understanding gear ratios helps cyclists choose appropriate gearing for different terrains, optimize pedaling efficiency, and select the right components for their riding style and local conditions.
Tips: Enter the number of teeth on your chainring and cog. Both values must be positive integers (typically between 20-60 teeth for chainrings and 10-40 teeth for cogs).
Q1: What is a typical gear ratio for road biking?
A: Most road bikes have gear ratios between 2.0 and 5.0, with common combinations like 50/11 (4.55) for high speed and 34/28 (1.21) for climbing.
Q2: How does gear ratio affect riding?
A: Higher ratios are better for flat terrain and descending, while lower ratios are better for climbing and accelerating from stops.
Q3: What's the difference between gear ratio and gear inches?
A: Gear ratio is a simple mathematical ratio, while gear inches incorporates wheel diameter to give a more complete picture of mechanical advantage.
Q4: Should I prioritize high or low gear ratios?
A: It depends on your riding terrain. For hilly areas, a wider range with lower ratios is beneficial. For flat terrain, higher ratios are more useful.
Q5: How many gears do I need on my bike?
A: Modern road bikes typically have 2 chainrings and 11-12 cogs, providing 22-24 gear combinations with overlapping ratios to cover most riding conditions.