Different Cassette?

[Aggie_Ama]

Thanks SK, always a wealth of knowledge. My bike is about due for a new chain, so I will talk to the LBS about a different cassette first.

I think just one more gear would help, although if I ever want to get up Jester (.75 miles and 17%) I need more than one extra gear.

I am totally clueless, but swapping the granny would to a 26 or 28 would also make things easier? By that I mean I could in theory spin longer up the hills? Right now I am down to mashing on the pedals to barely pull myself up the big hills and I am completely dead at the top.