My area is pretty flat. Even so, I switched from 49/46 in front to 45/42 last winter, and it was much easier to get into half way decent shape this year. In fact, I could reinstall the 49/46, but it's too much work....

What's really bothering me are things like:

1) I don't really like riding on cloudy days; clouds never bothered me before.
2) I don't like riding on windy days; well, I guess i never did.
3) If it's under 70 F degrees, I feel cold ... I've ridden when it was a dry 35. (I bought some arm and leg warmers.)

OTOH, age has made me so much wiser now.... :-)