1. What is Gear Reduction?

Gear reduction is the ratio between the number of teeth on the chainring (front gear) and the cog (rear gear). It determines how many times the rear wheel turns for each pedal revolution.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the gear reduction formula:

Where:

• \( Chainring \) — Number of teeth on front gear
• \( Cog \) — Number of teeth on rear gear

Explanation: A higher ratio means more speed per pedal revolution, while a lower ratio provides more torque for climbing hills.

3. Importance of Gear Reduction

Details: Understanding gear ratios helps cyclists choose appropriate gearing for different terrain and riding conditions, optimizing pedaling efficiency.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the number of teeth for both 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 road bike gear ratio?
A: Common ratios range from about 2.5:1 (53/21) to 4.5:1 (53/12) for high-speed riding.

Q2: How does gear ratio affect climbing?
A: Lower ratios (like 1:1 or less) make climbing easier by requiring less force per pedal stroke.

Q3: What's gear inches?
A: Gear inches is another way to express gearing that factors in wheel size: (Chainring/Cog) × Wheel Diameter.

Q4: Should I use the same ratio for all riding?
A: No, ideal ratios vary based on terrain, fitness, and riding style. Many bikes have multiple gears to adjust ratios.

Q5: How does ratio relate to cadence?
A: At the same speed, a higher ratio requires lower cadence (pedal RPM) than a lower ratio.