My commuter has a 34-34 for low. I need that 1 to 1 ratio to get up the 7%, 1700 foot long hill. It rises about 320 feet. I probably spin that around 80-90 rpm. I suggest geting a heart rate monitor so that you dont blow yourself up when all you have to do is relax, and slow up a bit. I find that going up long hills at night seems easier because, I think, you cant see the top of the hill and so you just find your pace and keep rolling.