Ok, so, you've come from riding 22:17, which, as you've also said, is a relatively hard gearing (22/17 = 1.29, 33.65 gear inches) 16:14 = 1.14, 29.71 gi, which is a fair bit lighter than your previous ratio, explaining the way it's flickier, but also why you feel it's harder to get up stuff now 16:13 = 1.23, 32.00 gi, still lighter than your previous gearing, but far closer, and will make ups a bit easier again (whilst losing a bit of 'flick' remember though) 16:12 = 1.33, 34.67 gi, higher than 22:17, but a touch closer than 16:13 I'd suggest playing with 16:13 and 16:12, and finding which of the two you feel more comfortable with. Chuck one on, and ride with it for a while, then you'll have a better idea if you do want to change at all or not Hopefully that hasn't been too confusing, but if you want anything clarified just shout