Originally Posted by
Frankfast
Sorry for the mistake. That's what I get for not re-reading the post before submitting. Yes I have a 53/39 and thinking of going to a 50/34 compact. I think a 12/27 or a 12/29 is offered in a Record cassette. I like the speed of the gearing I have now but have to compromise somewhat for the hills. Maybe changing the cassette first is the answer.
This. Get the cassette and see if that plus a dose of HTFU gets you through what you need. If it doesn't, THEN think about changing the crank, which is much more expensive. Are you able to get over the hills and just want it somewhat easier, or are they completely too big for you?