I find fixed gear bikes VERY practical on hills, and especially on rolling hills where I don't have a long, prolonged (20 miles) climb.

Please note that the Surly Steamroller comes correctly geared with a 44 tooth chain ring, a 19 tooth cog, and 32 mm tires; which gives a gear ration of 62.5 gear inches.

Go to the following site in to understand gear inches:

http://software.bareknucklebrigade.c...it.applet.html

Ride at 61 to 63 (45 X 19 with 23 mm tires) gear inches and you'll have a great time learning to spin.

I average 15 mph loafing around town, and I can average up to 19 mph across town (15 miles) with only a little extra effort, and that includes stop lights and stop signs.

Just give up your emotional attachment to coasting and going super fast down hill.

Learn to spin.

Great fun, including super control, precision and safety.