26X32 will get you up that BIG HILL. Since you need the bike to do the commute with the BIG HILL, proper gearing should be at the top of the list. Mountain bike style ratios will serve you best. You will be slower on the pavement than the road bikes, but do you have a need to keep up with anyone? If you have a top gear ratio of 46X13 or so you will go plenty fast on a flat stretch on pavement.