GPS units are less common in my neck of the woods. I only know of a handful of cyclists who use them. Maybe the hills around here are different enough that we just don't get as caught up in the facts and figures. I know the grade of specific hills--the notorious ones--but that's about it. And just so we're clear, I'm a good climber--at least when I train for it. To me, that's the key. I understand that you put a lot of stock in your GPS unit, but it's also possible that you got better at climbing because you practiced it. Just a thought.

Listen, I like bike bling as much as the next person, but I also fundamentally resist the notion that cyclists necessarily need to arm themselves with the best bikes, the best gear, or the best gadgets to have fun or to ride well. People were riding bikes long before computerized accessories came into the picture after all. I think there's enough room in the sport to make it as high tech or low tech as you want it to be (or your budget allows).

Catrin's a smart woman. I'm sure she can decide for herself after reading this thread.