wow! i did not expect all this feedback! thanks a ton guys! the information really helps, it sounds like i need to play around with some ratios a bit. i guess i'll try a 48/18 first since it's probably the easiest / cheapest first step.

shants, yeah, i can make it in that area. i don't know how familiar you are with the nasti, but there's a hill that leads through northside and keeps going up to college hill. that was the hill i couldn't make. i thought i was on the homestretch and turned a corner to find that it just keeps going and going then turns another corner and goes some more. it destroyed me, haha!

but thanks a again for all the help guys. i'm bookmarking this for reference.