Quote Originally Posted by lacyliz View Post
- I get up a moderately steep hill very slowly (maybe 6-7mph) and I can feel it in my back.
My first question on reading this is: Have you been fitted on your bike? If you're feeling it in your back, I'd wonder if your crank/saddle position is off, and therefore putting you in a position that's stressing your back.

Also, are you using clipless pedals? When I switched to clipless, I was amazed at how much more my hamstrings and glutes were put to use in climbing.

Definitely do a search of hill climbing in the forum. There have been a few good threads on not only gearing, but also on proper position for climbing. All other things considered, if you're like me then you just need more practice