New cassette & wheels

Ciaran OHara

Have been cycling a lot with my partner and notice she really struggles on hills. Having looked at her bike I have found she is on a 9 speed 23-12 Shimano Tiagra cassette where as my bike has a 10 speed 28-12 Ultegra.

Can I upgrade her cassette to a something similar to give her better range and an easier climbing gear without much fuss?

I also find that when free wheeling downhill I am much quicker then her. She is on Shimano r500 wheels and I have the fulcrum comp racing wheels and weigh about 20 extra kilos.

Her wheels are about 2 years old so could they need changed or is the higher spec of my wheels and my extra weight making the big difference?

Have been looking at upgrading her wheels or opening them up to check and regrease the bearings. Any suggestions for new wheels as I am also considering new ones for her and using her r500's for the turbo trainer?

coastwatch

A 12-23 cassette on hills would be hard work for most, so not surprised she's struggling.
You could get a 9-speed 12-27 cassette that would be much better for the hills. I'd guess your LBS could supply and fit for about €40.
You could DIY but you'd have to get some tools. The chain might need to be extended by a link or better replaced altogether.

Those shimano r500 wheels should have plenty of life still in them. I wouldn't get too bothered about who freewheels downhill faster, there are other factors, like wind resistance/ riding position.

donegaldude

an extra 20kg plus gravity = more momentum, of course you will be faster downhill, I wouldn't worry.