Ep 17. Gravity Bikes

Design Squad is an educational show that follows a group of young designers and engineers as they tackle various challenges and design projects. In season 1, episode 17, titled "Gravity Bikes," the Design Squad team is tasked with creating a type of bicycle that relies solely on the force of gravity to move downhill.

The episode kicks off with the Design Squad team meeting up with a group of experienced gravity bike racers. The racers introduce the team to the concept of gravity bikes and explain how they work. Essentially, gravity bikes are stripped down versions of regular bikes with no pedals, chains, or gears. They rely on the force of gravity to propel the rider downhill at high speeds.

The Design Squad team is tasked with designing and building their own gravity bikes, using a variety of materials and techniques. They start off by brainstorming ideas and sketching out rough designs. They then move on to building prototypes and testing them out on a steep hill.

As the Design Squad team works on their gravity bikes, there are a number of challenges and setbacks they must overcome. They struggle with getting the weight distribution just right, finding the right materials to use, and ensuring that the bikes are safe to ride at high speeds.

Despite these obstacles, the team perseveres and eventually comes up with some impressive designs. Each member of the team has a unique approach to the problem, resulting in a diverse set of gravity bikes. Some opt for sleek and minimalist designs while others incorporate more complex systems.

Once they've built and tested their bikes, the Design Squad team heads to a local gravity bike race to put their creations to the test. They compete against each other and other racers in a series of downhill races, with speeds reaching up to 50 miles per hour.

As the race progresses, the Design Squad team members learn the ins and outs of gravity bike racing. They discover the importance of balance, weight distribution, and aerodynamics in staying ahead of the competition.

In the end, the Design Squad team emerges from the race with a newfound appreciation for the thrilling world of gravity bike racing. They also learn valuable lessons about teamwork, problem-solving, and the creative process.

Overall, Design Squad season 1 episode 17 is a fun and educational look at the world of gravity bikes. Through the Design Squad team's hands-on approach to design and engineering, viewers get an inside look at the creative process and learn some valuable lessons about problem-solving and teamwork. Whether you're a fan of bikes or just interested in learning more about engineering and design, this episode is sure to be an entertaining and informative watch.