^^^^^ As I understand the OP, he desires to get in better shape and ride more challenging climbs in the near future. I have had an 11-34 on my road bike for the past year and I do not miss the old 11-28. Once you dial in the adjustments on the RD on the Ultegra 8000, it is smooth sailing. You have to understand that it will take a full 1 1/2 turn of the crank to get into that 34 cog but I am usually riding no more than 8 mph at that point and finesse it into the 34. I know what you are stating about the closely separated cogs as my other bike I use has a 12-27 cassette and I find it more suitable for rollers and the flats.