gear inchz
Noun, Noun Phrase
Gear inches is a measure of the mechanical advantage gained through a bicycle's gearing system.
Example usage: My bike has a gear ratio of 65 gear inches, giving me a lot of power on hills.
Most used in: Mountain biking and road biking communities.
Most used by: Cyclists who want to optimize their gearing system for specific terrain.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 0/10
Also see: Gear Ratio, Gear Ratio Inches, Gear Inches, Roll-Out Distance,
What are Gear Inches?
Gear inches is a measurement used to describe the mechanical advantage of a bicycle drivetrain. It is calculated by multiplying the number of teeth on the chainring by the diameter of the wheel. For example, if a bike has a 52-tooth chainring and 700c wheels, the gear inches would be 52 x 27 inches, or 1404 inches.
Gear inches are used to compare the mechanical advantage of different drivetrains, and to determine which gear ratio is best suited for a given terrain. Generally, higher gear inches are used for flat terrain and lower gear inches are used for hilly terrain. For example, a bike with a 52-tooth chainring and 700c wheels would have a gear inch of 1404, which is suitable for flat terrain. For hilly terrain, a bike with a 46-tooth chainring and 700c wheels would have a gear inch of 1242, which is more suitable.
Gear inches are an important consideration for cyclists, as they can help determine the best gear ratio for a ride. By understanding gear inches, cyclists can pick the most efficient drivetrain for their particular terrain and riding style.
Exploring the Origin of the Cycling Term 'Gear Inches'
The term 'Gear Inches' originated in the late 19th century in England. It was first used by bicycle enthusiast, James Starley, who wanted to create a way to compare the performance of different combinations of chainwheels and sprockets. The term was used to describe the ratio of the diameter of a wheel and the number of teeth on the chainwheel, as well as the length of the chain.
The term 'Gear Inches' was used to measure the distance a cyclist could travel in one revolution of the pedals. It was calculated by multiplying the circumference of the wheel by the number of teeth on the chainwheel. For example, a wheel with a circumference of 28 inches, and a chainwheel with 54 teeth, would have a Gear Inches measurement of 1512 inches.
Today, Gear Inches is still used to measure the performance of different combinations of chainwheels and sprockets, as well as to compare the performance of different bicycles. It is also used to help cyclists determine the optimal gear ratio for different riding conditions, such as hills or flat terrain.
