You see here in lies the problem with discussing cycling...

It degenerates into my hill is bigger than yours...

I do not get worked up over an 8% grade...

Thats a warm up...

I frequently climb 3 miles avg. 12%...

I have a climb "around the corner" that is 1.6 miles at 10%...

I have hills I need to climb that can get up to 22%...

Now I climb that with a 26 x 26...

Some would call me a wussy...

I like my knees and plan on keeping them for a while...

To each their own and...

Keep on Riding...