One thing I found out when I started riding a bike years ago is that you have to learn how to pedal. And it has been the case with every newcomer that I have bought on since.
I am a light rider at 145-150 lbs. I cannot stand on the pedals up inclines in high gears and keep going forward. My riding partner is 220 lbs and can. I started riding with a cadence of around 80 that has gone up to around 95. My 220lb mate started with a cadence of around 60 and has gone up to around 95. You settle out into a cadence that you and your legs like, but that takes a couple of years to sort out.
Now cadence becomes irrelevant when you are in your lowest gear- and the hill is still going up and has just got steeper. Unless you like walking.
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How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan