Enter your wheel size, gear ratio, and cadence into the calculator to determine your speed on a fixed gear bike.

Fixed Gear Bike Speed Calculation Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the speed of a fixed gear bike:

Speed (MPH) = (Wheel Size * π / 12) * (Cadence / 60) * Gear Ratio * 3600 / 5280

Variables:

  • Speed is the calculated speed of the bike (MPH)
  • Wheel Size is the diameter of the wheel (inches)
  • Cadence is the pedaling speed (RPM)
  • Gear Ratio is the ratio of the front chainring to the rear cog

To calculate the speed, multiply the wheel size by π, convert it to feet, and then factor in the cadence and gear ratio.

What is a Fixed Gear Bike?

A fixed gear bike, often referred to as a “fixie,” is a bicycle that has a drivetrain with no freewheel mechanism. This means that the pedals are always in motion when the bike is moving. Fixed gear bikes are popular for their simplicity, lightweight design, and the unique riding experience they offer.

How to Use the Fixed Gear Calculator?

The following steps outline how to use the fixed gear calculator:

  1. First, measure your wheel size in inches.
  2. Next, determine your gear ratio by dividing the number of teeth on the front chainring by the number of teeth on the rear cog.
  3. Input your cadence, which is the number of revolutions per minute you can maintain while pedaling.
  4. Click the “Calculate” button to find out your speed in MPH.
  5. Check your results and adjust your inputs as necessary to see how changes affect your speed.

Example Problem:

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

Wheel Size = 26 inches

Gear Ratio = 2.5

Cadence = 90 RPM

FAQ

1. What is a gear ratio?

The gear ratio is the ratio of the number of teeth on the front chainring to the number of teeth on the rear cog. It determines how many times the rear wheel turns for each revolution of the pedals.

2. How does cadence affect speed?

Higher cadence means more pedal revolutions per minute, which can increase speed if other factors remain constant.

3. Can I use this calculator for different wheel sizes?

Yes, you can input any wheel size to see how it affects your speed calculation.

4. Is the speed calculated accurate?

The calculator provides an estimate based on the inputs provided. Actual speed may vary based on terrain, rider weight, and other factors.

5. What are the benefits of riding a fixed gear bike?

Fixed gear bikes offer a unique riding experience, improved pedaling efficiency, and a lower maintenance requirement due to fewer components.