RHG - I meant to include this in my earlier post...my triple is pretty standard. 52/42/30 in front and 12-27 in back. But point of note, I also have a 9-speed and new bikes now come with 10.

I've not ridden mine on a 15%+ grade yet, but it works great in the 8-12% range. I will be breaking that 15% threshold on May 5th though (at mile 85 ), so I'll let you know how it goes.