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 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 revolution but requires more effort. Lower ratios make pedaling easier but cover less distance per revolution.

3. Importance of Gear Ratio

Details: Gear ratio is crucial for cyclists to understand their bike's mechanical advantage. It helps in selecting appropriate gears for different terrains and riding conditions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the number of teeth on your chainring and 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's a typical gear ratio for road bikes?
A: Common ratios range from 2.0 (easy climbing) to 4.5 (fast flat terrain), with 3.0 being a good all-around ratio.

Q2: How does gear ratio relate to speed?
A: Higher ratios allow higher speeds per pedal revolution, but actual speed depends on cadence (pedaling rate) and wheel size.

Q3: What's the difference between gear ratio and gear inches?
A: Gear inches incorporates wheel size, while gear ratio is purely about the relationship between chainring and cog.

Q4: Why do some bikes have multiple chainrings and cogs?
A: Multiple gears allow riders to maintain optimal cadence across varying terrain by offering a range of gear ratios.

Q5: How does gear ratio affect climbing ability?
A: Lower gear ratios make climbing easier by reducing the amount of force needed per pedal stroke, allowing riders to maintain cadence on steep grades.