csidd

I recently switched bikes and my old bike had a triple 50-39-30 with a 12-26 9 speed cassette. My new bike has a 53-39 with a 11-23 cassette. After riding the new bike I am missing out on a lower gear or two. I never used the 30 on my old bike but the 39 with the 26 large cog was able to get me up hills with some effort. The 39-23 makes me work a little harder. I was thinking of a compact crank as I live in a hilly area with a 12-27 cassette or just change the cassette for a 12-17 with my current 53-39. I'm just looking for a little advice as to what my best option would be. I know it is all subjective but I'm sure some of you might be able to offer up some advice as you might have used similar setups. Thanks to all that offer up advice.

climbhoser

Compact is good. If you're really looking for even more than you can get with that, pick up a MTB cassette (11-33) and a long-cage rear mech. That's what I did because I do lots o' mountain pass riding. It works quite well. Of course, you have to make sure your long cage rear mech is compatible with your brifters, whichever you choose.