50T / 17T
2.94
Speed
20.7 mph
Development
20.27ft
Gear Inches
77.4"
Gear Ratio
2.94
Speed @ 90 RPM
20.7
mph
33.4 km/h
Development
20.27
ft
per revolution
Gear Inches
77.4"
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Price as of Jul 24, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Inputs
Result
Ratio = 50 / 17 = 2.94. Development = 2.1m x 2.94 = 6.18m. Speed = (6.18 x 90 x 60) / 1000 = 33.4 km/h. This is a "Medium-High" gear, suitable for flat-road cruising.
Inputs
Result
Ratio = 34 / 28 = 1.21. Development = 2.1m x 1.21 = 2.55m. Speed = (2.55 x 80 x 60) / 1000 = 12.2 km/h. This is a "Low (Climbing)" gear, ideal for steep hills.
Road bikes typically use ratios from 1.0 (climbing) to 4.5 (fast flats). A 50/34 crankset with 11-28 cassette gives ratios of 1.21 to 4.55. Choose based on terrain - hillier routes need lower gearing.
| Setup | Gear Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 50/34 + 11-28 | 1.21–4.55 | All-around road riding |
| 52/36 + 11-30 | 1.20–4.73 | Racing with moderate hills |
| 46/30 + 11-34 | 0.88–4.18 | Gravel and steep terrain |
| 32T (1×) + 10-52 | 0.62–3.20 | Mountain biking |
Gear ratio = front chainring teeth ÷ rear cog teeth. For example, 50 front ÷ 25 rear = 2.0 ratio. Higher ratios are harder to pedal but faster. Lower ratios are easier for climbing.
Gear development (or meters development) is the distance traveled per pedal revolution: wheel circumference × gear ratio. A 700c wheel with 2.0 ratio travels about 4.3 meters per crank turn.
Most cyclists are efficient at 80-100 RPM. Pro racers often spin 90-110 RPM. Lower cadence (60-80) uses more muscle strength, higher cadence (90+) relies more on cardiovascular fitness.
Larger wheels travel farther per revolution, so they're effectively "higher" gearing. A 29" MTB with the same ratio as a 26" bike will be faster but harder to pedal. Adjust gearing to compensate.
| Wheel Size | Circumference | Development at 2.0 Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| 26" | 2,026 mm | 4.05 m per rev |
| 27.5" (650B) | 2,168 mm | 4.34 m per rev |
| 29" / 700c | 2,295 mm | 4.59 m per rev |
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Last Updated: Jul 24, 2026
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