I know the feeling. Never liked climbing. Don't like it now on my Ironman. After after swapping from the original 52/42 chainring and 13-24 freewheel to 50/39 and 13-25, I still don't look forward to conquering climbs. Enduring them, maybe.

But I don't mind so much on the Univega, even though it's heavier.

Best I can figure, what I dislike isn't just the slog but feeling out of my preferred rhythm. With only a 5 or 7 speed freewheel/cassette and double chainring geared for go-fast, it's harder to find the perfect gear to suit my preferred cadence and perceived effort.

But since switching my Univega from 7 to 8 speed cassette (from 13-28 to 12-32), and having the original 50/40/30 triple, it's easier to find a gear combo that suits my preferred cadence and perceived effort. I'm not going any faster, but not much slower than on the lighter weight road bike either. Rather than grunting uphill with a scowl and not enjoying it at all, I'm looking around a bit at the scenery.

I can finally see why some folks like those 9-12 speed cassettes. It's not that their 12-32 is any different than mine at the top and bottom. But it's easier to find just the right combo to suit their preferred cadence and effort.