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 selected cog. It determines how many times the rear wheel rotates for each pedal rotation.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the gear ratio formula:

Where:

• Chainring — Number of teeth on the front chainring
• Selected Cog — Number of teeth on the rear cog currently engaged

Explanation: A higher gear ratio means more distance covered per pedal revolution, while a lower ratio makes pedaling easier, especially uphill.

3. Importance of Gear Ratio Calculation

Details: Understanding gear ratios helps cyclists choose appropriate gearing for different terrains and optimize pedaling efficiency.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the number of teeth on your chainring and selected cog. Both values must be positive integers (typically between 20-55 for chainrings and 10-50 for cogs).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good gear ratio for climbing hills?
A: Lower ratios (below 2.0) are better for climbing as they require less force per pedal stroke.

Q2: What does a gear ratio of 4.0 mean?
A: It means the rear wheel rotates 4 times for each complete pedal revolution.

Q3: How does gear ratio relate to speed?
A: Higher gear ratios allow higher speeds at the same pedaling cadence, but require more force.

Q4: What's the difference between gear ratio and gear inches?
A: Gear inches incorporates wheel diameter, while gear ratio is purely based on teeth count.

Q5: Can I use this for any bike?
A: Yes, this calculation works for any bicycle with chain-driven gearing.