Thanks, BatBike- makes a lot of sense. I think what I'm going to do after hearing from you-all is to ride a bunch more on the new set-up and see how it goes. I'll then know better (trying some new sets of hills/roads that I want to be able to do) if I should keep what I have and practice more or swap the cassette for either a 12-27 or 13-29, like you say. I'm compelled to improve at the hills or at least learn to like the challenge of a steeper hill. I just LOVE to be out on the road. Mornings, especially - Feels like flying...