Yes
Up until the end of the gravel yes. Didn’t try higher, the ranger said there wasn’t signal at the very top. I can’t confirm that.
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That checks out as RF can interfere with the Telescopes
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Phil Gaimon just did a You Tube video on his recent Mauna Kea climb. Nice views and footage.
Yup, shared above by Cory via the Strava link.
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Man, that video doesn’t make it sound all that appealing TBH! Though obviously his plan went straight to hell when he could’t bring up his support vehicle, plus he was obviously really pushing the pace. I gather Mauna Loa is open up to ~9500’ too, so some good options for pavement-only climbs as well.
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If this is your first impression, probably best to pass, bcs the damn thing will test your gumption and if you don’t want the chaos, you’ll not enjoy it.
If you do make it up there on a bike, you’ll see the views and you’ll feel proud that you earned them, very rewarding.
All fair points; if I am NOT pushing the pace and actually take time to rest, fuel and hydrate at/above the visitor’s center (and if I bring a bike w the right tires, which Phils was denied) I imagine it’d be a somewhat different experience.
I leave for the Big Island Friday, and whether I bring a bike will probably depend on the weather forecast. Currently it looks great, but the reliable summit forecast says lots of fog and clouds later this week. If it looks like a good weather window is available next week I’ll (probably) make an attempt.
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FWIW, buddy and I just rented bikes for a few days from the shop in Kona. Nice guys in the shop and their rental bikes are in decent condition and I think a fair cost. We only wanted to get a few rides in between doing stuff with the spouses so renting was a much easier solution than shipping our good bikes.
If you are on the fence about riding can keep your options open by just packing shoes and a kit. They have helmets with the rentals if needed. I brought pedals as am on speedplay, but I think they have normal Shimano road and mountain pedals available (check that as I’m not 100% certain on the pedals).
Enjoy. It is a great visit with or without bike riding.
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I have ridden Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, and Haleakala, all on 32 mm Schwabe speed gravels. There is little traction benefit to speed gravels over conti5000s, but even with, expect to walk quite a bit in the “gravel”, unless you are a magician and able to remain seated (you will have no purchase while standing throughout much of the “gravel” because it is light volcanic dust), balance while barely moving, and crank hard. Very hard, while barely moving. Very very hard in your lowest gear even w/a climbers cassette.
I recommend at least 38mm if not 42s. I’m returning in November with 45mm Schwabe G-one RS, will ride the initial pavement at 50 PSI and will drop in the gravel to 30 PSI. The penalty for 45 G-one RS over conti5000s is minimal at 50 PSI, maybe 6 watts. You can compare tire resistance on line, and it’s in line w/my experience vs my Roubaix w/conti5000s. 6 watts.
Yes, heavier, yes less aero, but I do not want to walk in the gravel. For me, to walk my bike rots my soul. The gravel is soft and punishing. The whole ride is punishing. It is exceedingly steep in stretches including once you reach the access road, on the gravel, and stretches after the gravel.
I train on the G-one RS w/friends on road bikes several days a week. The penalty is minimal. I’m riding a Canyon Grizl w/their top carbon SLX, and the top DT Swiss wheels, so I’m paying a 2# penalty. That’s nothing as I’m sure I can peel another 5# off my frame and be even more fit. (I’m skinny but not pro skinny).
Gravel cleats are mandatory. I used speedplay last time, and the volcanic dust clogged the springs (when forced to walk) such that it was exceedingly difficult to lock in or get out. I had to rebuild my cleats after.
Finally, expect radical temperature change. When I dipped my rear tire in the water it was 70F. At the summit it was 38F and very windy. I was destroyed and pre-hyperthermic. Bring lots of extra clothes and add along the way as your body will likely have a hard time maintaining heat when exhausted. Keep in mind, too, there is 35 % less oxygen at the summit than sea level.
This is a very serious ride, altitude sickness is real, and should be treated w/respect in preparation, training, and attack. Haleakala and Loa are not close at all in terms of difficulty.
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While I don’t want to climb Mauna Kea, I’m very much interested in these tires for my commuter. It seems they are crazy fast. How long do they last? I put a pair of Vittoria Terrenos on my bike’s wife and even though she rides much less than I do, the rear tire profile is gone, they are slicks in the middle.
Not recommended for commuter. They are not long lasting. The center skin pattern is not deep and you’ll end up w/slicks again on your rear tire. They are also very expensive.
I ride between 100-150 miles a week on them (plus turbo trainer so not on the tyres). I installed in March, the rear fish scale is gone, so when I ride Kea and Loa in November, I’ll be on a new rear tyre.
I’m 6’0”, 172#. Hopefully 168-169# in a month.
BTW the tyres are multi-directional. The front (lower load) is installed for speed w/the “bite” to the rear, the rear tyre flipped for extra traction.
Great resource to compare rolling resistance:
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Bummer, I thought as much, given my (indirect) experience with the Terrenos. I guess I’ll have a look at the G-One Allround then. Thanks for the feedback!
That’s interesting.
Haleakala was pretty tough for me, I’d put it the same as my Leadville race so this suggests……well it suggests something I guess!
Joe
Loa is similar to Haleakala in terms of difficulty, Kea is a different beast altogether. (If I was not clear)
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For commuter, why G-one of any type? There are better choices, longer lasting, lower resistance, less likely to puncture and more smooth.
I’ve ridden G-one Bite, great tyre for flexibility, ie some gravel or off road. G-one speed is very low tread, so very fast, hard pack too, but not much more. G-one All road is similar to Bite.
If your commute is all road I would not spend the money on expensive tyres that take energy away and are dear ($) if there is no off roading in that bike’s regular rides.
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