Steepest I have climbed is 19%. I currently have a 22-32-42 crankset with a 11-28 7s cassette and since I'll be hitting a few 15-19% this fall, I'll change my cassette for a 13-34. I got over 40km/h on this morning commute and I was still in the 42/13. I don't see the point of having a 52 chainring with a 11 tooth sprocket. Road bikes usually don't even have such a high gear! I can deal with having to stop pedaling going downhill but I don't want to feel miserable because I don't have a low enough gear going uphill. Pushing the bike is not option as it's even more difficult.

Eventually, I might get a tighter cassette for the day rides I do around here (it's all flat) and keep the wide range for touring. The 2-3 tooth jump does break rythm on the flats.