16+ average on hills is impressive and so is the fact that you ride a bike with arthritis. I applaud you.

I moved from a triple to a 50/34 with 12-27 rear cassette several years ago. It was tough at first but I do fine with it. I ride with my husband and several other men---I'm the only woman---and I am always dropped on the hills and probably would be no matter what kind of gearing I have. As I got stronger, they did too. They just had to be "trained" to wait for me at the top before they took off again. I have just learned to live with it and continue searching for other women in my area that ride the same pace as me.

Don't let it demoralize you. The Madone is a beautiful ride but it doesn't sound like you are enjoying it much. That's too bad.