Gear Speed Calculator
Gear Speed Calculator
Understand how chainring teeth, cassette cogs, and cadence combine to determine your speed.
Understanding Bike Gears
Your speed is determined by gear ratio, tire circumference, and cadence working together.
Gear Ratio
Front chainring teeth ÷ rear cog teeth. A 50/11 ratio (4.54) means the rear wheel turns 4.54 times per pedal stroke.
Gear Inches
Expresses gearing as the equivalent wheel diameter of a penny-farthing. Higher = harder gear. Useful for comparing across wheel sizes.
Cadence
Pedal revolutions per minute (RPM). Most efficient cyclists aim for 80–100 RPM.
Common Chainring Setups
50/34
Compact
Good for climbing and varied terrain
53/39
Standard
Preferred by racers for higher top speed
52/36
Mid-Compact
A popular modern balance