1. Get a cassette with a larger big cog. Did your bike come with a 12x23? Get a 12x27 or even one of the MTB 12x32 cassettes if you run 9-speed.

2. Switch your road double 53x39 crank to a "compact 50x34 crank. You can't go lower than a 38T inner chainring on a 130 mm BCD road crank and the one tooth difference is a waste of money.

3. If all else fails, swallow your pride and get a triple.