Bike Speed Calculator
Calculate cycling speed from cadence, gear ratios, and wheel specifications
Calculate Bike Speed
Pedal revolutions per minute
Choose your preferred speed unit
Rim diameter (common: 26", 27", 28", 29")
Tire thickness (road: 23-32mm, hybrid: 32-42mm, MTB: 1.5-2.5")
Number of teeth on front chainring (typical: 34-56)
Number of teeth on rear cog/sprocket (typical: 11-36)
Speed Calculation Results
Competitive pace - racing and time trials
Versatile gear ratio - good for varied terrain
Formula: speed = π × (wheel_diameter + 2 × tire_thickness) × gear_ratio × cadence
Calculation: 35.68 km/h
Speed vs Cadence (Current Setup)
Understanding the Speed Formula
Complete Formula
speed = π × (wheel_diameter + 2 × tire_thickness) × gear_ratio × cadence
where gear_ratio = chainring_teeth ÷ cog_teeth
Step-by-Step Breakdown
1. Wheel Circumference: π × total wheel diameter
2. Gear Multiplication: circumference × gear ratio
3. Pedal Frequency: result × cadence (RPM)
4. Time Conversion: convert from per-minute to per-hour
Speed Benchmarks
Common Wheel Sizes
Speed Optimization Tips
Maintain consistent cadence around 80-90 RPM
Use appropriate gear ratios for terrain
Aerodynamics matter more at higher speeds
Build endurance to maintain target speeds
Tire pressure affects rolling resistance
Understanding Bicycle Speed Physics
The Speed Formula Explained
Bicycle speed is determined by how far you travel with each pedal revolution, multiplied by how many revolutions you complete per unit time. This creates a direct relationship between cadence, gear ratios, and wheel size.
Key Components
- •Wheel circumference: Larger wheels = more distance per revolution
- •Gear ratio: Multiplies your pedal rotations to wheel rotations
- •Cadence: Your sustainable pedaling rate (typically 60-100 RPM)
Practical Applications
Example: 80 RPM × 3.0 gear ratio × 2.1m wheel = 25.2 km/h
Factors affecting real-world speed:
• Wind resistance (increases with speed²)
• Rolling resistance (tire pressure, surface)
• Gradient (uphill/downhill)
• Rider position and aerodynamics
Pro Tip: Higher cadence with moderate gears is often more efficient than low cadence with hard gears, reducing muscle fatigue on long rides.
Speed Optimization Strategies
For Beginners
Focus on consistent cadence (60-80 RPM) and comfortable gearing. Build endurance before chasing higher speeds.
For Enthusiasts
Train at different cadences (80-100 RPM), optimize gear selection for terrain, and work on aerodynamic positioning.
For Competitors
Master high-cadence pedaling (90-110+ RPM), optimize equipment choices, and develop power at different cadence ranges.