RubanTools

Cycling Calculator

Calculate speed, time, distance, gear ratio and calorie burn for any ride. Works for road, MTB and indoor cycling.

Speed / Time / Distance

Enter any two values to find the third.

Gear Ratio Calculator

Find gear development and speed at a given cadence.

Calorie Burn Calculator

Estimates calories burned using MET values.

Cycling Speed & Distance Calculator

This cycling calculator solves for any one of three variables - speed, distance, or time - when the other two are known. It also computes gear ratio and development (the distance travelled per pedal revolution based on chainring teeth, sprocket teeth, and wheel circumference), and estimates calorie burn at different cycling intensities using MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) values. Whether you are planning a route, analysing your training performance, or fine-tuning your gearing for a climb, this tool covers the essential calculations in one place.

Cycling in India

Cycling has seen a remarkable resurgence in India since 2020. The COVID-19 lockdowns triggered a surge in bicycle sales - the Confederation of All India Traders reported a 40-70% increase in demand for cycles between 2020 and 2021. Cities like Pune, Bengaluru, and Chandigarh have invested in dedicated cycling infrastructure under the Smart Cities Mission. Long-distance cycling events such as the Tour of Nilgiris and the Ladakh Mountain Bike Expedition attract both domestic and international riders. The Cycling Federation of India (CFI) governs competitive cycling and has been pushing for more cyclists to represent India at the Asian Games and Olympic qualifiers.

Gear Calculation Explained

Gear development = (chainring teeth / sprocket teeth) x wheel circumference. A higher development means more distance per pedal stroke - useful on flat roads but hard on climbs. Knowing your development helps you choose the right gear combination for your terrain and fitness level.

Cycling Calculator FAQ

Speed (km/h) = Cadence (RPM) x Gear Ratio x Wheel Circumference (m) x 60 / 1000. Gear ratio = Chainring teeth / Sprocket teeth. At 90 RPM cadence with a 50/17 gear ratio (ratio = 2.94) and 2.105m wheel: Speed = 90 x 2.94 x 2.105 x 60 / 1000 = 33.4 km/h.

Calories = MET x Body Weight (kg) x Duration (hours). MET values: Light under 16 km/h = 4.0; Moderate 16-19 km/h = 6.0; Vigorous 19-22 km/h = 8.0; Racing above 32 km/h = 16.0. A 70 kg cyclist cycling moderately for 1 hour burns approximately 420 kcal.

Gear development is the distance a bicycle travels for one complete pedal revolution. It equals: Gear Ratio x Wheel Circumference. For a 50/17 gear (ratio = 2.94) on 700c (circumference 2.105m): development = 2.94 x 2.105 = 6.19 metres per pedal stroke. Higher gear development means more distance per rotation but more effort required.

Optimal cycling cadence for road cycling is generally 80-100 RPM. Most professional cyclists ride at 85-95 RPM which minimises muscle fatigue and maximises aerobic efficiency. Beginners often pedal at 60-75 RPM in heavier gears, which increases muscle strain. For mountain biking, 70-90 RPM is typical due to terrain variation.