Two bicycles have the same gear ratio and crank, but Bicycle X has larger wheels than Bicycle Y. Which bicycle travels farther per full pedal rotation?

Two bicycles have the same gear ratio and crank, but Bicycle X has larger wheels than Bicycle Y. Which bicycle travels farther per full pedal rotation?

• A. Bicycle X
• B. Bicycle Y
• C. Both travel the same distance
• D. Cannot determine

Answer: (A)

When you pedal, the chain moves a fixed length each turn, and the rear wheel turns by the same amount of revolutions as the rear sprocket. If two bikes have the same gear ratio, the number of wheel revolutions per full pedal rotation is the same for both bikes. What changes is how far the bike travels with each wheel turn. Distance per wheel turn equals the wheel’s circumference, so the bike with the larger wheels covers more ground per turn. Since Bicycle X has larger wheels, it travels farther per full pedal rotation.

When you pedal, the chain moves a fixed length each turn, and the rear wheel turns by the same amount of revolutions as the rear sprocket. If two bikes have the same gear ratio, the number of wheel revolutions per full pedal rotation is the same for both bikes. What changes is how far the bike travels with each wheel turn. Distance per wheel turn equals the wheel’s circumference, so the bike with the larger wheels covers more ground per turn. Since Bicycle X has larger wheels, it travels farther per full pedal rotation.