For me, being 5'9'' and 130 lbs, there hasn't been a hill in SLO that I cannot go up, even starting from a stop. I gym every other day and run/bike every other day that I don't gym. And I eat correctly. What I currently ride right now is an aluminum track bike that weighs in around 25 lbs (just the frame) that I keep on one gear so I can push myself. To me, getting a lighter bike will not help you in the long run. If you have to keep depending on external factors, you're going to be dependent on it. Train yourself first. Just my .02.