What gear ratios do Tour de France Riders Use?

Question

Watching the coverage of the Tour de France, I've been trying to get a sense for what sort of gear ratios the riders use when climbing hills, cruising, or sprinting. Does anyone know?

Answer 1

On a standard ride - it's pretty normal: 53x39 and 11x23 10 or 11 speed. They change these for hard, high climbing days and for TT's.

Cruising at 25 or so 53x13 maybe, sprinting 53x11 (it's the only way to hit 40 mph) climbing depends on the climb but coulbe be 39x25 or so on the steepest.

Answer 2

Most TDF riders will use a traditional 2 up 5 down ten speed gearing system in order to save on weight. Riders will usually use particularly resistant gearing for flat sections to maximise efficiency and will use a 'stock' chain. For climbing and other more technical sections, riders tend to use a long armed crankset, reinforced (often kevlar) chain and something much closer to a normal gear range.