Thanks for your response, carpediemracing. In the Summer of 1990 I put a 13-18 6-speed straight block on the aforementioned '88 Sirrus. This was after I'd switched to a 53/39 Dura Ace crankset. Didn't get out of the small ring much that summer, but that small cassette sure looked cool!

I like seeing the old footage of pro riders gear mashing up climbs. The kids these days spin up these mountains in gears that used to be only available on mountain or touring bikes.

This video isn't too clear, but Bauer and Grewal look like they only have 21T or 23T on the climb about 1/2 way in.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tWg_CR43rg