I too have been working on the hills recentyl. I have lots of coaching from my hubby tho. I got up some pretty steep long hills and haven't had to stop yet. He calls it "walking" up the hill with the "granny gear". Longest hill has been about 1/2 mile but not sure what the grade is. Can go up at 8-10mph which just amazes me. I know it is the gear thing not me. Oh, the best part is going down. Most of my hills are short and steep on the back side. I freak out at about 27mph so at that point I really crank down on the brake levers. It is exhilarating to say the least!