Quote Originally Posted by rij73 View Post
I punched that into the online calculator.

Old bike:
Hardest gear - 115 gear inches (a pretty high gear)
Easiest gear - 23 gear inches (a very low gear!)

New bike:
Hardest gear - 110 gear inches (really high enough unless you are racing!)
Easiest gear - 33 gear inches (harder than before, but still low for a road bike)

So your easiest gear now corresponds to about the 4th lowest gear on the old bike. So, yes, it will be harder to pedal up the hills. The difference in weight will make up for part of that, but you may just struggle a bit until you get used to it if you have big hills to climb! It'll be good for you!
I think the difference in the weights of the bikes will make a great deal of difference - I doubt you will struggle with the new bike.
I have a big old utility bike too - a 34 pounder and it has a lowest combination of 28 - 32, same as your Cannondale, and I use it.

my race bike (Also a Ruby Pro) is a standard double (53-39) with a 27 on the back and I've been able to climb every thing I've come across so far on it. I think with your compact you'll be more than fine.