When to use this calculator
Find distance travelled per complete crank revolution for a bicycle gear. Assumes no slip and direct chain gearing.
Explore the pace, splits & race time calculators for other questions in this topic. For a related calculation, use the Bicycle Gear Inches Calculator: Compare bicycle gearing through effective wheel-diameter gearing units.
PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE
Bicycle Gear Development: a worked example
The values below are an illustrative example, not a recommendation. Replace them with measurements or assumptions that match your question.
| Input | Example value |
|---|---|
| Rolling wheel circumference (m) | 2.1 |
| Front teeth (integer) | 50 |
| Rear teeth (integer) | 25 |
| Result | 4.2 m/crank revolution |
- Check the input labels and enter the example values above.
- Apply the relationship: Development = circumference × front teeth/rear teeth.
- The result is 4.2 m/crank revolution, rounded for display.
How to interpret your result
Assumes no slip and direct chain gearing.
Use matching distance units and decimal minutes. A constant-pace plan does not forecast how terrain, conditions or fatigue will affect a race. A split is a time over a chosen reference distance.
Frequently asked questions
How do I read a result of 5.5 minutes per kilometre?
It means 5 minutes 30 seconds per kilometre, because 0.5 of a minute is 30 seconds.
When is the bicycle gear development calculator useful?
Find distance travelled per complete crank revolution for a bicycle gear. Assumes no slip and direct chain gearing.
How do I use the bicycle gear development calculator?
Enter rolling wheel circumference (m), front teeth (integer), rear teeth (integer). The result updates automatically. Use the units shown beside each input; the example values illustrate the method.
Which formula does this calculator use?
Development = circumference × front teeth/rear teeth.
What should I check before using the result?
Assumes no slip and direct chain gearing.
How are results rounded?
Scalar numbers display up to six decimal places, with scientific notation for very large or small values. Text, fraction, date and schedule outputs use the format described on the tool. Intermediate calculations use JavaScript floating-point arithmetic. Keep sensible precision for your measurements.
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