Weight of the bike factors in a lot in a climb. Carrying 30 pounds up a hill vs. 17. Let's gear down and compensate. You'll just have to spin faster and gear down because the bike is heavier.

I'm really going by my own experiences. If you gear up the SS properly and speed is not a concern, I find myself less tired on a 10 mile commute over riding my heavy 30 pound steel rig.