What gear ratio is best for climbing?

Lower ratios (below 1.5) are better for climbing. A 34/28 combination (ratio 1.21) is a common granny gear for steep hills.

What gear ratio is best for flat riding?

Ratios of 2.5-3.5 are typical for flat riding at moderate cadence. A 50/17 (2.94) is a common cruising gear for road bikes.

Development is the distance your bike travels with one full pedal revolution. Higher development means more ground covered but more effort required.

Calculate your bike gear ratio and development (distance per pedal revolution) from chainring and cog tooth counts.

Chainring Teeth (front)

teeth

Cog Teeth (rear)

teeth

Wheel Diameter

Gear Ratio

2.94

Development6.47 m/rev

Gear Inches81.06 in

Speed at 90 RPM21.70 mph

Gear Ratio vs Chainring Teeth (front)

Gear Ratio = Chainring Teeth / Cog Teeth

Development = Gear Ratio x Wheel Circumference

Development tells you how far the bike travels per pedal revolution. Higher gear ratios mean more distance per revolution but require more force.

Gear inches is a traditional measure: Gear Inches = Gear Ratio x Wheel Diameter (inches).

A road bike with a 50-tooth chainring, 17-tooth rear cog, and 700mm wheels.

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