When purchasing a new BMX, beginners are often more concerned with the color and graphics of the bike than the gear ratio. Gear ratio refers to a relative term that is used to indicate the distance your bike will travel forward with one rotation of the crank arms. The gear ratio varies based on the specific discipline of riding.
Determining Your Gear Ratio
To determine the gear ratio of the BMX, measure two of the bike's components. The chain wheel is located near the middle of the bike and holds the chain in place. The driver is located in the middle of the rear tire. Count the number of teeth on the chain wheel and driver. Divide the number of teeth on the chain wheel by the number of teeth on the driver. Multiply this calculation by the diameter of the rear wheel.
Ideal Gear Ratio
Like many aspects of the BMX bike setup, the ideal gear ratio remains a matter of personal preference. Most beginner BMX riders prefer the normal gear ratio. According to the BMX experts at Dan's Comp, the normal gear ratio requires a chain wheel with 45 teeth and a driver that features 16 teeth. This common gear ratio provides a balanced mix of speed and acceleration for novice riders. The 45 by 16 gear ratio allows beginners to participate in track riding, dirt jumping and street.
Gearing Up
Advanced riders may want to increase their gear ratio. Increasing your gear ratio involves equipping your bike with a chain wheel that has more teeth. When gearing up, keep your driver the same. According to professional BMX rider Brian Kachinsky, gearing up makes it harder to pedal your bike forward. This will increase the distance your bike travels with one rotation of the cranks. Many professional street riders and dirt jumpers opt for the gear ratio increase.
Gearing Down
To decrease your gear ratio, equip your bike with a new chain wheel that has fewer teeth. When gearing down, keep your original driver. This will decrease the amount of force it requires to pedal your BMX forward. With a smaller gear ratio, your BMX bike will travel a shorter distance with one rotation of the cranks. Flatland BMXers prefer to gear down, as many of their freestyle tricks require a slow rate of speed.
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