I have about a 2-mile climb back to the house if riding road. MTB- hardly any since I have 40 miles of trails all over me in the mountains. I had to harden up. It is only 2 miles, so not awful unless it is 90+ out. I do run a compact here in Colorado. 50/34 and 11-28 (though I wish I could do 11-32, and I may eventually).