I was riding fixed gear for a couple of years before I got a road bike so my knees appreciate just having gears/freewheel. Most of the rides I do don't have many extended climbs above 4% (according to strava). There are some 10-20% sections but they are usually .2-.5 miles. I could get a Ultegra compact crankset for $137 from Merlin right now so I'll probably do that since price is right