I have an old, second hand road bike but in good condition. Im doing a lot cross country cycling and the struggling uphill with the current gear set up. This is what I have:

Sora RD 3300 derailleur (total capacity: 29T; largest sprocket 27T; front chainring tooth difference 14T) Sora Fly Deck 2X8 shifter CS-HG50 12-23t cassette 52/42 chain rings Hub: don't know

what i've been considering is:

• only replace the smaller chain ring to a 39T (or do i need a whole new chain set?)
• only replace the cassette to another 8 speed or 9 speed (if hub compatible)up to 25 or 27t
• replace both cassette and chain ring(s)

1. What is the most effective and cost effective way to upgrade this set up?

2. Would the shifter and the derailleurs work with a 9 speed cassette as long as i stay on max tooth range?

thanks!

I have an old, second hand road bike but in good condition. I'm doing a lot cross country cycling and the struggling uphill with the current gear set up.

This is what I have:

• Sora RD 3300 derailleur (total capacity: 29T; largest sprocket 27T; front chainring tooth difference 14T)
• Sora Flight Deck 2x8 shifters
• CS-HG50 12-23t cassette
• 52/42 chain rings
• Hub: don't know

what I've been considering is:

• Only replace the smaller chain ring to a 39T (or do I need a whole new chain set?)
• Only replace the cassette to another 8 speed or 9 speed (if hub compatible) up to 25 or 27t
• Replace both cassette and chain ring(s)

1. What is the most effective and cost effective way to upgrade this set up?
2. Would the shifter and the derailleurs work with a 9 speed cassette as long as I stay on max tooth range?

Thanks!