True enough. You could go standard (53-42 chainrings on your cranks) or compact(50-34) and combine that with a climbing cassette(12-30 for the standard or 12-28 for the compact). Though, starting out on an older bike with a more limited gear ratio will force you to become a stronger rider which is more beneficial, in the long run, really.

You could even build a custom cassette for yourself.