Originally Posted by
vesteroid
really only two options...better gears or better training...but one thought...really try to slow your cadence and see if that helps...I know this is not conventional wisdom, but I use to find I was getting exhausted easily. At the time I thought I was going as slow as possible without falling over, but oddly enough I simply tried slowing down, and realized I could make it up hills that use to kill me. yes I mashed and went below 60 rpm but I found it worked for me.
+1
I kinda' started to do the same thing. I started road training on my mountain bike and have switched to strictly road now. I have a 39/53 with a 13-25 cassette. Lately I am staying away from the 25-tooth rear cog in favor of the 23 cog. I go up a little slower and my cadence is a bit less but I am climbing not mashing--gotta; take care of the knees. I am using a bit more power to climb in stead of spinning up the hills. I go up the hills without problems. Pace yourself and take time. I'm a bit over 200# and almost 50 y.o. and if I can so can you. You are just starting out, you will get to know how your body likes to go up hills and then all will be good.