Selecting cassette gearing depends a lot on what size chainrings you have. As an example, both of my road bikes have 53 - 39 chainrings. They are a bit big for me so I compensate by running bigger cassettes, usually 13 - 26 although there are a few climbs in my area where I need a 13 - 29 (or a smaller chainring).

A good way to make gear selections is to check your cadence (crankset rpm). Empirical studies have found that experienced cyclists are more efficient riding in the 85 - 105 rpm cadence range. You don't have to spend a lot of money on a computer with cadence and it may be well worth it. Finding a cassette that helps keep you in that range throughout your ride can be a big help.