yeah, I ride clipless - spd, with the multi-release cleats due to my feet pointing way outward. (I couldn't twist far enough to get the normal cleat out of the pedal) I rarely cross those places I have to stand, actually. My biggest regular climb is the highway overpass, which I can do at a good cadence if I don't have to stop for the traffic light at the bottom. As to bike setup, I've actually had a fitting at the LBS, so it's pretty well configured. I'm sure my technique could improve, though. My knee, however, is damaged from playing football with friends, definitely not a bike problem.