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 stroke.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the gear ratio formula:

Where:

• \( \text{Chainring} \) — Number of teeth on the front chainring
• \( \text{Cog} \) — Number of teeth on the rear cog

Explanation: A higher gear ratio means more speed per pedal stroke but requires more effort, while a lower ratio provides easier pedaling but less speed.

3. Importance of Gear Ratio

Details: Choosing the right gear ratio is crucial for BMX riding as it affects acceleration, top speed, and pedaling efficiency for different riding styles (racing, street, park).

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the number of teeth on your chainring and cog. Common BMX chainrings range from 25t to 36t, and cogs from 8t to 16t.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical BMX gear ratio?
A: Most BMX riders use ratios between 2.0 and 3.0. Street riders often prefer lower ratios (2.5-2.8) while racers use higher ratios (2.8-3.2).

Q2: How does gear ratio affect riding?
A: Higher ratios give more speed per pedal stroke but require more strength. Lower ratios make pedaling easier but limit top speed.

Q3: What's the difference between gear ratio and gear inches?
A: Gear inches factors in wheel size while gear ratio doesn't. Gear ratio is simpler and more commonly used in BMX.

Q4: Can I change my gear ratio?
A: Yes, by changing your chainring, cog, or both. Smaller chainring or larger cog lowers the ratio.

Q5: What ratio is best for beginners?
A: Beginners often start with ratios around 2.5-2.7 (e.g., 25t/10t = 2.5) for a balance of speed and ease.