Scaling Pikes Peak with his trusty bike and one energy bar
[1]Tristan plans a ride to the summit of Pikes Peak on a simple but primitive bicycle.
The center of a pedal is 9 inches from the axis of rotation of the front sprocket. The radius of the front sprocket is 5 inches. The radius of the rear sprocket is 3 inches. The radius of the rear tire is 12 inches.
The bike weighs 24 pounds and Tristan weighs 66 pounds.
Assume no friction in bike parts and Tristan does not tug up on his handlebars.
Find the steepest angle, in degrees, of a slope Tristan can ride up.
A correct answer sent to [email protected] [2] might win Tucker’s gift card.
Last week’s [3] winner was John Lovato with Area = 41.72 square units.
(Use of AI to solve this problem is strictly prohibited.)
Jeff Smith is a former Math teacher and a retired US Navy Lieutenant Commander. Reach him at [email protected] [2].