I ride in the UW a lot, you shouldnt have any problems riding either SS or fixed, even on that slight incline on the ave. I live on Beacon Hill by the hospital, that hill is pretty horrible to get up, or the ones going up to 23rd ave. I dont know that many people who can speed up it. Anyway-hope you get the bike, Im down to ride aswell if you're up for it. My friend and I ride to Golden Gardens and Ballard frequently on the Burke Gilman from downtown Seattle.