"Typical" is not going to really be possible as I've climbed miles-long false flats of 0.5% and short, steep pitches of up to 23% and everything in between. On normal, flat-ish routes, I ride a standard 53-39 with an 11-23 cassette. On routes where I know there will be alot of long climbs (more than 2), I'll put on my 12-25 or 12-27 cassette. But these are my numbers and you're not me. So it's of little practical use to you.

However, a hill that I (somewhat) regularly use to assess my own fitness? Ah... 0.2 miles long, 6%. I ride it with a group. The leaders fly up this thing like they were shot from a cannon. Clydesdale me? Not so much.

When I first tried the hill, I would shift to my 39-tooth small ring as I started and try to spin up. But I couldn't barely hang on to the back of the 30-rider pack. Then I saw a very accomplished rider (track master's world champ) doing it in his big ring. So I tried that. It was amazing. Suddenly, I could make it up with the group. Not easily ("It's never easy, you just go faster").

• Then, I tried other tactics. I tried standing at first, then sitting down before my heart blew up.
• Then, I tried standing for the whole thing but my power output nearing the top just disappeared.
• Now, I'm sitting on it first, then standing up to try and increase my power over the last 1/3 of the climb. This is helping, too.

Plus, what is a "good" cadence for me might not be for you & vice versa. I tend to use my bulk & power to mash on short climbs, and try (probably unsuccessfully) to spin on longer climbs.

Can you blame the bike? Only if you weigh in at 140 lbs. and have 5% body fat or less. Otherwise, to quickly lose weight, take a trip to the john.