1. What is Gear Ratio?

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

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• Chainring — Number of teeth on the front gear
• Cog — Number of teeth on the rear gear

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

3. Importance of Gear Ratio

Details: Gear ratio helps cyclists choose appropriate gearing for different terrains and riding conditions. Higher ratios are better for flat terrain and speed, while lower ratios help with climbing hills.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the number of teeth on your chainring and cog (must be positive integers). The calculator will show the gear ratio.

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 for flat terrain.

Q2: What ratio is best for climbing hills?
A: Lower ratios (1.5-2.5) are better for climbing as they require less force per pedal stroke.

Q3: How does gear ratio affect speed?
A: Higher ratios allow for greater speed at the same cadence (pedal rotation speed) but require more force.

Q4: Should I consider wheel size with gear ratio?
A: For complete gearing analysis, consider "gear inches" which combines ratio with wheel diameter.

Q5: What's the difference between ratio and gain ratio?
A: Gain ratio also considers crank length, providing a more complete measure of mechanical advantage.