Totally understand, that's why I haven't tried a road bike as of yet. With having two forms of arthritis that effect the ligaments and tendons around the knee (and most major joints), I find I'm much worse than you as I actually NEED my 38/32, (can go to a 28/32 as it's a triple), on the trekking hybrid or better yet my 32/32 on my utility hybrid, (note: I pull a utility trailer with my 32/32 and can go down to 22/32 with the triple). I can make the area big hills but it's SLOW going even with my current gearing, when I look at the road bikes, 11-25/26 gearing I just know, I'd be walking up a lot more steep hills here for sure!!