1. What is Gear Inch Speed?

Gear inch speed is a measurement used in cycling to calculate the speed of a bicycle based on the gear ratio and wheel size. It represents the equivalent diameter of the drive wheel if the bicycle were a penny-farthing.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the gear inch speed formula:

Where:

• \( RPM \) — Pedal revolutions per minute
• \( Gear\ inches \) — Diameter of the equivalent penny-farthing wheel
• 336 — Conversion factor (combining unit conversions for mph)

Explanation: The formula converts the combination of pedal cadence and gear ratio into actual speed in miles per hour.

3. Importance of Gear Inch Speed

Details: Understanding gear inch speed helps cyclists choose appropriate gears for their riding conditions and maintain efficient pedaling cadence.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your pedaling RPM and gear inches. Typical cycling RPM ranges from 60-100, and gear inches vary by bike and gear selection.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I calculate gear inches?
A: Gear inches = (Chainring teeth / Cog teeth) × Wheel diameter in inches.

Q2: What's a typical gear inch range?
A: Road bikes typically range from 30-120 gear inches, with lower gears for climbing and higher gears for speed.

Q3: What's the ideal RPM for cycling?
A: Most cyclists aim for 80-100 RPM for optimal efficiency and reduced knee strain.

Q4: Does this account for tire size?
A: Yes, since gear inches includes the actual wheel diameter including tire.

Q5: Can I use this for fixed gear bikes?
A: Yes, but remember your cadence directly relates to your speed in fixed gear riding.