1. What is the Bike Speed Calculation?

The bike speed calculation estimates your cycling speed based on your pedaling cadence, gear ratio, and wheel circumference. It helps cyclists understand how different gear combinations affect their speed at a given pedaling rate.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the bike speed equation:

Where:

• \( Cadence \) — Pedaling rate in revolutions per minute (rpm)
• \( Gear\ Ratio \) — Ratio of chainring teeth to cog teeth
• \( Wheel\ Circumference \) — Distance covered in one wheel revolution in meters

Explanation: The equation converts your pedaling rate through the gear ratio to determine wheel rotation speed, then calculates the linear speed based on wheel size.

3. Importance of Speed Calculation

Details: Understanding this relationship helps cyclists select appropriate gears for target speeds, optimize pedaling efficiency, and plan training sessions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter cadence in rpm (typical range 60-100), gear ratio (e.g., 2.5 for 50/20 gearing), and accurate wheel circumference (standard road bike ~2.1m). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I find my gear ratio?
A: Divide the number of teeth on your chainring by the number of teeth on your rear cog.

Q2: What's a typical wheel circumference?
A: For a 700c road bike with 25mm tires, it's approximately 2.1 meters. Measure yours by rolling the bike one full revolution.

Q3: Why is cadence important?
A: Maintaining optimal cadence (usually 80-90 rpm) helps prevent fatigue and improves efficiency.

Q4: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It provides theoretical speed assuming no slip and perfect conditions. Actual speed may vary due to terrain, wind, and rider position.

Q5: Can I convert m/s to km/h or mph?
A: Yes, multiply by 3.6 for km/h or 2.237 for mph.