MTFU when he is new, older or not very fit with an injury…not everyone can be Lance Armstrong!
I'm running 12-25 with 53/39. While I can get uphills it is grinding procedure.
Not good on knees. I'vejust bought a 12-27 cassette and that is all I intend to mod without taking a mountain bike with slicks.
Best thing i can do now is get fit and lose weight -by riding!
I know a guy running a triple and 11-32 with his tourer-he gets over hills easily but when we rode with a racer, no chance the guy on a compact, 12-25 with 3 yrs training sailed off.