Cannot comment on the Shimano stuff, but I'm sure someone else will be along soon to advise.

Don't let those hills get you down! I live surrounded by them so there's no escape. You learn to love them when you know you have them beaten! Don't look to avoid them, and if you have to get off and walk, do it and try for a little bit further then next time - you'll get stronger the more you ride them! I asked for advice on hill climbing techniques a while back, and basically the guys were right - riding more hills more often is the only way to get better at them.

Maybe the problem is that you're expecting it to be easier than it is ever going to be. When I ride up 25% gradients, I literally crawl up! It's a balancing act, it's that slow! Some can power over these climbs, but take a look at this . Notice how many riders are on walking up that hill? I'd guess at least half. Don't think you're doing badly - it's more than likely you're just normal!