Couldnt agree more ferg. I see loads of old fools half my weight struggling up hills on a 22 or 23 rear 54 front. Errr whats the bloody point? The only bikei have that regular gearing on is the one i have used for lap racing and tt's this year. I asked myself as i glided past a guy in full world championship colours riding a 5k cervelo who who looks the silliest? Me obtaining a gold time whilst still over 16 stone on my triple cr1 or the lythe looking chap pushing a lovely piece of over geared kit up hill?

As for Al my additional advice to improve on hills is SLOW DOWN. You wont run out of puff, you wont have to stop half way up, you will build confidence and by default ride more hills. Before you know it you will be gliding up them aain if with a modified technique. Your body has changed so your riding style may have to too.

Keep up the brave comeback!