My frame is long and I am heavy, which aside from my understanding of the physics involved are my only attributes helping in the hills. When others drop me on Brevets, I know I will catch as long as the gap is less than 15 seconds and burning matches to stay is a waste because I will be jambing the brakes. I can't ride with small riders who blast up hills and then crawl on the flats and trying to stay with them. I cover the distance quicker at my own pace....a bit faster on the flats, a bit slower on the climbs, and way, way faster on the descents. Ah, the joys of blubber in expensive kit.