I'm helping a lady who is having some issues climbing.
She has a 1997 Schwinn Peloton, nice older bike, 853 frame, 9 speed Ultegra. It has a 53/38 Ultegra crank and a 12/27 Sram cassette. She really struggles in the hills.
As I see it, options are to go to a compact crank or Harris Cyclery has an interesting 9 speed 13/30 cassette:

Harris Custom Century Special 13-30 9-speed Cassette - Harris Cyclery bicycle shop - West Newton, Massachusetts

I'm thinking that a compact crank makes more sense, but would love to hear other reasoned opinions.

dave s