Don't beat yourself up over going for the Verve. I read somewhere on this site where a rider actually thought they were a little faster on a Verve, compared to a fitness bike. Could be a change of tires is all that's needed, and getting used to what gear(s) to be in for those grades. It's not going to be the fastest bike out there, but isn't a slouch either. I have a feeling that with a tire change, getting used to the gearing, and riding it more, that you'll start liking it better each ride. And you may make some fit adjustments as you ride more, allowing you to ride faster also.