Originally Posted by
JanMM
Lower gearing makes it easier to get up hills. It's not just the rear cogs or the crankset - it the combination of the two. A lower gear makes it easier to climb. As does lighter weight.
http://sheldonbrown.com/gears/
CF bikes can be designed for a smoother ride.
+1
But for the CF question, CF can also be designed to be very stiff as well so you need to know what the bike is designed to do. I stiff bike can be easier to climb with as well but not as much fun otherwise.