Well, I think I know why I didn't get any responses to this thread I started back in February. It's probably the fact that the video started off with lots of heavy breathing, which may have been a shock to the viewer. Since then, I have made sure to edit my videos a little better so they don't start out that way They're still raw, so eventually you're gonna hear some though. That's just the reality of climbing.

I've also lost a bit of weight and gained strength since that video was made, so I'm climbing a little better now. Nothing earth-shattering, but better than before.

Last week I finally got around to installing super-low climbing gears on my Specialized Sirrus hybrid that I bought used last summer. It only had a 24-tooth largest rear cog, so I replaced the cassette with a Shimano MegaRange 11-34. I also replaced the stock 28-tooth front chainring with a 24, and replaced the Shimano Sora rear derailleur with a Shimano Deore long-cage mtb derailleur. I did all the work myself so the only cost to me was the parts.

Of course, what better way to make sure the new drivetrain's working properly than a climb, right?

The guy you see in the beginning of the first video started his descent right before I did. I passed him on the descent. About a minute later he passed me on the same descent. I got my revenge on the next climb though

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXh-oO75xYc

The next climb was a very steep one that I'd never ridden before, with lots of 13% and a maximum of 17% according to my Garmin.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UoYR4Awhfk

Garmin Connect data: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/78514622

Here's my Sirrus at the top of the climb in the above video:


Specialized Sirrus near top of Ridgeview Drive by kittyz202, on Flickr

A little later on in the ride:


Specialized Sirrus next to Folsom's 'Bicycle Friendly Community' sign by kittyz202, on Flickr