sounds like he's pretty strong if he can spin a 39x28 @ 60rpm on the steep bits. that's around 6.5mph which for me would be a pretty good day on hicks.
True, at 60 rpm on that grade my HR would force me to stop I think. Still think working on some of the longer climbs would help with the fitness part. Alpine and Page Mill are great for this. Longer climbs with some good pitch's thrown in for good measure. Being that he can spin it like that Im assuming its purely a fitness thing, and endurance strength. Again I dont put too much into Hicks. Its a brutal climb, and a rather rare road for these parts(Bay Area). I know there are plenty of steep roads, but they are really not the norm. I no longer do that climb because it kills my hips for days.