1. What is Gear Ratio?

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 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 per pedal stroke (harder to pedal), while a lower ratio means less distance per stroke (easier to pedal).

3. Importance of Gear Ratio

Details: Gear ratio helps cyclists understand their bike's mechanical advantage, allowing them to choose appropriate gearing for different terrains and riding conditions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the number of teeth on your chainring and cog (both must be at least 1). 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 about 2.0 (easy climbing) to 4.0 (hard sprinting).

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

Q3: What's the difference between gear ratio and gear inches?
A: Gear inches also factor in wheel diameter, while gear ratio is purely based on teeth count.

Q4: Should I use the same ratio for hills and flats?
A: No, lower ratios are better for climbing, while higher ratios are better for flats/downhills.

Q5: How many teeth do typical chainrings have?
A: Road bikes often have 50/34t (compact) or 53/39t (standard), while MTBs typically have smaller chainrings.