I agree. I SS now in WA state after having lived in Boone, NC and riden all over WNC I would ride what ever feel comfy on the hills. I currently ride 34x19 and I can get up just about every hill with out having to dismount and push (ie. "third gear"). My ride: Kona Unit, Avid Mech. Disc, blue King HS, disc hubs SS, Thomson stem/seat post, Marzocchi Marathon SL, Time Z control, Race Face Turbine Cranks 175. A real beauty not light but fun as hell to ride!!