Originally Posted by
Iride01
Personally, I'd just try a 9 speed cassette with what ever max size low sprocket your rear derailleur is spec'd to handle and a 50/34 set of ring or 50/34 crank. 3 more gears in between on the rear won't make it easier to climb hills.
Ultegra 9 speed is 130mm bolt circle so a 39 is the smallest you can put on that crank.