Originally Posted by
kimconyc
It will be cheaper to get a 34T inner chainring (assuming you are using Shimano or SRAM and I read correctly that you are using a 36T inner ring) rather than get a new cassette. Plus, you will not need a new chain.
You will get comparable gearing (although the "feel" is subject to your fitness level) to a 32 cassette by just getting a 34T inner ring and using your existing 28 cassette.
I can verify this by personal experience. I went from a 36t to 34t small ring with a 12x25 cog set and it made a noticable difference on my Rival equipped bike. I have since gone to the 11X28 cog set and I'm where I need to be for a 48 year old, 6'-3" 200# rider climbing around the mountain roads of northern Utah.