nslckevin wrote:
To the argument about "best" vs. "hardest". I would still at Mauna Kea in the "best" group. It's just freaking epic to ride from the ocean to almost 14,000' in one fell swoop. Not to mention the moon like scenery. With the right bike the gravel is very rideable. I did it on a 34x32 with 25mm tires (WRONG tires), but that gear with something like smooth 30-35mm tires would be just fine I think. I'd love to get dropped off in Hilo, ride to the top and then down to Kona. It would be epic.
Digging up this very old thread with two questions ā¦
1. Why does Mauna Kea seem to be so much more popular than Mauna Loa? Mauna Loa seems significantly more accessible, no walking, or weird equipment choices needed. Itās just the altitude and epic-ness of MK that are appealing?
2. You think smooth tires are ideal for the type of gravel on MK?
ETA: So Iām contributing something to this thread Iāll say the ābestā climb that Iāve done is Mt Lemmon and the hardest by a very long shot was Lincoln Gap in VT. My favorite that I do regularly is the Kanc in Lincoln, NH.
Dimond Bikes Superfan