Is it the Indians or the arrows (new bikes vs. old bikes)?

[emily_in_nc]

Or I'll just bring my iPod next time!

I hate to be a Debbie Downer, but please reconsider that. It's unsafe to ride on the road and not be able to hear cars come up behind you (or even other cyclists calling out that they are passing, a chasing dog behind you, etc.) iPods are great for the gym, but please leave it at home while riding on the road. Enjoy the sounds of nature instead!

[Geonz]

There's also technique.
I got a whole lot stronger on hills when I learned to focus on making my stroke efficient all the way around the circle -- "round and round, not up and down" was what the lady said on the video we were watching doing an indoor ride in February. I remember physics class and learning that the forces work best if they're pushing perpendicular, so I practiced... and it really made a difference on hills.
Your friend might really be trying to encourage -- get you to accept that it's okay not to be Queen of the Hills. Still, the whole philosophy that talents are Set In Stone holds a whole lot of people back (including the good athletes, who are sure it's their talent behind success, not technique and hard work).
When I added the Xtracycle extension to my bike, alas, I was no longer the person who charged by people on the uphills. Now I'm the one lagging (unless it's a really long hill)... and my ego misses it... but I can always get out the 7.5FX if I *want* to and whoopeeee!:P