denverericj

OK, taking the variables out of the equation (efficiency of the bikes in different gears, wind resistance, rolling resistance, etc), why would the energy used be different? A simple experiment would be the amount of energy required to lift a 10 lb bowling ball up 1 foot vs the amount of energy used to move it up a 5 foot ramp to a height of 1 foot. Or, using a block and tackle to lift 500 lbs up 10 feet vs a simple pulley. Wouldn't that be the same? Thanks, Eric

Please settle this "argument" between a fellow cyclist and I. If I am riding east up and over a pass will I use the same amount of energy as if I rode the opposite direction? His argument is that going from west to east, the climb is steeper so it is harder. I countered that it doesn't matter which direction you are going because the same amount of energy is stored and then released (potential and kinetic) as long as the vertical height you are "moving" the weight up is the same. You might go slower up the steep side but you will get there at the same time (theoritically). Neither direction is impassable meaning the rider has the power to climb them using different gearing. The pass in question is Squaw Pass in Colorado just west of Denver but that is irrelevant. Neither of us are physicists/scientists or, in his case, not as smart as I thought he was... Assumptions: Vertical feet climbed is 3000 feet. Rider and bike weigh 200 lbs. Distance from west to east is 17 miles to the peak and 13 miles to the bottom of the other side. You start and end at the same altitude. Please help give me bragging rights. I will print this out and glue it to his car window!...Eric