1. What is the Sheldon Bike Gear Calculation?

The Sheldon bike gear calculation determines the distance traveled per pedal revolution (gear meters) based on wheel circumference and gear ratio. It helps cyclists understand and compare gear setups.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Sheldon gear formula:

Where:

• \( wheel\_circ \) — Wheel circumference in meters
• \( ratio \) — Gear ratio (chainring teeth ÷ cog teeth)

Explanation: The formula calculates how many meters the bike travels with one complete pedal revolution.

3. Importance of Gear Calculation

Details: Understanding gear meters helps cyclists choose appropriate gearing for terrain, maintain cadence, and compare different bike setups.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure your wheel circumference accurately (or use standard sizes: ~2.1m for 700c, ~1.9m for 26"). Calculate ratio by dividing chainring teeth by cog teeth.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use gear meters instead of gear inches?
A: Gear meters provide a more intuitive measurement (distance per pedal revolution) and uses metric units.

Q2: What are typical gear meter values?
A: Road bikes typically range 5-10 meters. Mountain bikes might be 2-7 meters. Lower values are easier for climbing.

Q3: How do I measure wheel circumference?
A: Roll the bike one revolution and measure distance, or calculate from tire size (π × diameter).

Q4: Does this account for tire pressure?
A: No, the calculation assumes nominal circumference. Significant pressure changes may affect actual rolling distance.

Q5: Can I compare different bikes with this?
A: Yes, gear meters allow direct comparison of different wheel sizes and gearing setups.