1. What is Bicycle Speed Calculation?

Bicycle speed calculation estimates the speed of a bicycle based on wheel circumference, gear ratio, and pedaling cadence. This calculation helps cyclists understand their performance and optimize their riding efficiency.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the bicycle speed formula:

Where:

• \( Wheel\ circumference \) — Distance traveled in one wheel revolution (inches)
• \( Gear\ ratio \) — Ratio of chainring teeth to cog teeth
• \( Cadence \) — Pedaling rate in revolutions per minute (RPM)
• \( 60 \) — Conversion factor for minutes to hours
• \( 5280 \) — Conversion factor for inches to miles

Explanation: The formula calculates how far the bicycle travels per pedal revolution and converts this to miles per hour based on cadence.

3. Importance of Speed Calculation

Details: Understanding bicycle speed helps cyclists track performance, set training goals, optimize gear selection, and improve overall riding efficiency.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter wheel circumference in inches, gear ratio (e.g., 2.5 for 50/20 gearing), and cadence in RPM. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I measure wheel circumference?
A: Measure the distance the wheel travels in one complete revolution, or calculate using wheel diameter: circumference = π × diameter.

Q2: What is a typical gear ratio?
A: Gear ratios typically range from 1.5 to 5.0, depending on the bicycle type and gearing setup.

Q3: What is optimal cadence for cycling?
A: Most cyclists maintain 80-100 RPM for efficient pedaling, though this varies by individual and cycling discipline.

Q4: Why convert to miles per hour?
A: MPH is the standard unit for cycling speed in many countries, making it easy to compare with speed limits and other vehicles.

Q5: Can this calculator be used for different wheel sizes?
A: Yes, simply input the correct circumference for any wheel size - from children's bikes to adult road bikes.