1. What is Gear Ratio?

The gear ratio of a track bike is the ratio of the number of teeth on the chainring to the number of teeth on the cog. It determines how far the bike travels with each pedal stroke.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• \( Chainring \) — Number of teeth on the front chainring
• \( Cog \) — Number of teeth on the rear cog

Explanation: A higher gear ratio means more distance per pedal stroke but requires more force, while a lower ratio provides easier pedaling but less distance per stroke.

3. Importance of Gear Ratio

Details: Choosing the right gear ratio is crucial for track cyclists as it affects speed, acceleration, and pedaling efficiency based on the rider's strength and the event requirements.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the number of teeth on your chainring and cog (both must be positive integers). The calculator will compute the gear ratio.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical track bike gear ratio?
A: Common ratios range from 2.5 to 4.5, depending on the event and rider strength. Sprinters typically use higher ratios than endurance riders.

Q2: How does gear ratio affect speed?
A: Higher ratios allow higher top speeds but require more power to accelerate. Lower ratios provide quicker acceleration but limit top speed.

Q3: What's the difference between gear ratio and gear inches?
A: Gear inches incorporates wheel size, while gear ratio is purely the relationship between chainring and cog.

Q4: Should I change my gear ratio for different tracks?
A: Yes, banked tracks may allow higher ratios than flat tracks due to the ability to maintain speed through corners.

Q5: How does cadence relate to gear ratio?
A: For a given speed, higher gear ratios require lower cadence (pedal RPM) while lower ratios require higher cadence.