Gir Ray-shuh
noun, noun phrase, cycling lingo
Gear Ratio is the ratio of the number of teeth on the front chainring to the number of teeth on the rear sprocket.
Example usage: I've changed the gear ratio on my bike for a smoother ride.
Most used in: Mountain biking and cyclocross racing.
Most used by: Cyclists who are looking to optimize their performance.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 3/10
Also see: Cog Set, Gear Ratio, Gearing, Chainring,
What is the Cycling Term Gear Ratio?
Gear ratio is an important concept in cycling that refers to the ratio of teeth between the front and rear sprockets of the bike. It is important to understand gear ratios in cycling because it affects the speed and power of the bike. The gear ratio is determined by the number of teeth on the front sprocket divided by the number of teeth on the rear sprocket.
The gear ratio is important because it affects how quickly the bike can accelerate and the speed it can reach. A higher gear ratio means the bike can accelerate faster and can reach a higher top speed. A lower gear ratio means the bike can accelerate slower and can reach a lower top speed.
The gear ratio also affects the power of the bike. A higher gear ratio requires more power to turn the pedals and a lower gear ratio requires less power. This is important for cyclists because it can affect how fast they can travel up hills or over long distances.
In general, cyclists should use a higher gear ratio for faster speeds and lower gear ratios for slower speeds. However, the gear ratio should also be chosen based on the terrain and the cyclist's own strength and stamina. It is important to experiment with different gear ratios to find the one that works best for a given situation.
.The History of the Cycling Term 'Gear Ratio'
The cycling term 'Gear Ratio' dates back to the late 19th century. It originated in the United Kingdom, specifically in the city of Birmingham. In 1885, James Starley, a British inventor and engineer, developed the first commercially successful safety bicycle, which he called the Rover. This bicycle had two wheels of equal size and a chain-driven gear system.
The Rover was the first bicycle to be fitted with a differential gear, which allowed the rider to change the gear ratio of the bicycle. This allowed the rider to change the speed of the bicycle depending on the terrain or the rider’s preference. The term “gear ratio” was used to describe the ratio between the number of teeth on the front and rear sprockets of the bicycle.
The term “gear ratio” has since been adopted by cyclists of all disciplines and is now used to describe the ratio of teeth between the front and rear sprockets of any bicycle. It is used to determine the speed of the bicycle and is an important factor in cycling performance.
