The one good thing that comes with age... is that I don't care what others think of how I look in lycra. It feels good, it makes me feel good and it helps me ride a bike. Nuff said, period, end of statement.

Cherinyc - Just cause your are slim doesn't mean automatically you will become a super climber. Although most good climbers are slim they also have some powerful strong muscles working for them. Until you develop those muscles (so get out there and kept riding) you will struggle up hills. There is also technique that you have to learn - such as proper cadence, gear ratio, etc but give yourself time.

Since I'm big (tall and heavy - aren't I lucky), hills are not my friends but I have taken upon myself to make them so... I ride them as much as possible. OK so gravity keeps me slow but I do longer feel pooped or tired after a long hill. I look at the climb as a chance to rest - I put the gears in low and spin and keep my breathing under control. Once I crest the hill or hit the flats, then I start pushing and off I go!