1. What is Gear Ratio?

The gear ratio of a bicycle 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 stroke.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the gear ratio formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: A higher gear ratio means more distance covered per pedal stroke but requires more effort, while a lower gear ratio makes pedaling easier but covers less distance per stroke.

3. Importance of Gear Ratio

Details: Gear ratio helps cyclists choose the right gearing for different terrains and riding conditions. It affects pedaling efficiency, speed, and comfort.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the number of teeth on your chainring and cog. Typical road bike chainrings range from 34-53 teeth, and cogs range from 11-28 teeth.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good gear ratio for climbing hills?
A: For hills, a lower gear ratio (like 34/28 ≈ 1.21) is better as it makes pedaling easier.

Q2: What gear ratio is best for flat terrain?
A: For flat terrain, higher gear ratios (like 50/11 ≈ 4.55) allow for greater speed with each pedal stroke.

Q3: How does gear ratio relate to speed?
A: Higher gear ratios allow higher speeds but require more pedal force. The actual speed also depends on cadence (pedal RPM) and wheel size.

Q4: What's the difference between gear ratio and gear inches?
A: Gear inches incorporates wheel diameter, giving a more complete picture of the mechanical advantage. Gear ratio is simpler but doesn't account for wheel size.

Q5: Can I use this for mountain bikes?
A: Yes, though MTBs typically have smaller chainrings (28-38 teeth) and larger cogs (up to 50 teeth) for extreme climbing.