ya down hills can be rough sometimes. I lived up in SF for school so I got used to hill quickly! Some people can be idiots and bomb hills too big for their riding. Your legs accidently locks up and your done. Luckily you're never too cool for an emergency brake up front haha. it is kind of like a skate board... if you want your climb to be easier, get lots of speed approaching the hill and use that energy as long as you freaking can!!! i definitely want a bike with some gearing for longer progressed rides, but I will always love my fixed. Plus it is fun to cruise on.