Can I use this calculator for internal-gear hub bikes?

Yes, the tool includes a comprehensive list of internal hubs from manufacturers like Sturmey-Archer, Sachs, and SRAM, allowing you to select your specific hub model and speed count for accurate gear calculations.

Do I need to know my exact wheel size to use the calculator?

You need to enter your wheel diameter data, but the calculator accepts both standard selections and custom measurements, making it flexible for different bike setups.

Is the calculator accurate for vintage bicycles?

The tool covers most internal-gear hubs dating back to the 1902 Sturmey-Archer, and the cassette selection is regularly updated for current production models, making it suitable for both vintage and modern builds.

What happens if I make a calculation error?

The site notes that subsequent result windows from calculations may be hidden behind earlier ones, so users should close each set of results in turn rather than hiding them to avoid confusion.

SportsTool Review

Bike Speed Calculator

Provided bySheldon Brownsheldonbrown.com

The gear calculator lets riders input chainrings, sprockets, and wheel data to analyze gearing outcomes, including sp...

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About this tool

What Bike Speed Calculator does

Sheldon Brown's Bicycle Gear Calculator is a free web tool that determines cycling speed and power requirements by analyzing gear ratios, wheel size, and drivetrain variables. Users input chainring and sprocket tooth counts, wheel diameter, and select from a comprehensive list of internal hubs or custom cassettes. The output provides gear inches and gain ratios, allowing riders to compare setups and understand how different configurations affect speed and effort. The calculator accounts for real-world factors like tire type and rider position through adjustable parameters, delivering accurate performance data without requiring a paid subscription.

Step by step

How to use the Sheldon Brown Bike Speed Calculator

1
Select at least one chainring and one sprocket from the listings or enter custom tooth counts
2
Input your wheel size or select from standard options to calculate gear inches
3
Choose rider position and tire type from the available options to adjust for resistance
4
Click calculate to generate two output pages showing gear ratios and speed-related data

Is it right for you

Best for

Cyclists and bike builders who need to compare gear ratios, optimize drivetrain efficiency, or understand how specific component choices affect speed and effort.

Limitations

No unit switching between metric and imperial measurements
Results depend on accurate manual input of wheel and drivetrain dimensions
Output pages may require popup adjustments in some browsers

Questions

Bike Speed Calculator FAQ

Can I use this calculator for internal-gear hub bikes?: Yes, the tool includes a comprehensive list of internal hubs from manufacturers like Sturmey-Archer, Sachs, and SRAM, allowing you to select your specific hub model and speed count for accurate gear calculations.
Do I need to know my exact wheel size to use the calculator?: You need to enter your wheel diameter data, but the calculator accepts both standard selections and custom measurements, making it flexible for different bike setups.
Is the calculator accurate for vintage bicycles?: The tool covers most internal-gear hubs dating back to the 1902 Sturmey-Archer, and the cassette selection is regularly updated for current production models, making it suitable for both vintage and modern builds.
What happens if I make a calculation error?: The site notes that subsequent result windows from calculations may be hidden behind earlier ones, so users should close each set of results in turn rather than hiding them to avoid confusion.

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