Over the past month, my bike has acquired a new seat, new handlebars, and a new crankset. The seat came at the recommendation of my sore butt, and the bars and cranks at the recommendation of my bike fitter. The question is: Has all this stuff made a difference?
You bet they have.
The handlebars. I got a pair of 44 cm bars, although the bike fitter recommended 46 But he said I could get by with a minimum width of 44 centimeters. I picked up a used pair at a good price. Even though they’re only 2 cm wider than the old bars, I can feel the difference.
So, as Don Blount reported last month, upgrading the bike results in a better ride. If you know what you need and have some spare cash lying around, you can coax more performance from your bike without having to spend big bucks for a whole new one.
Man, first Don and now you. You guys are really making me want to buy something!!!
That was our plan. We decided it’s time for you to spend lots of money.
I’m pretty sure I need to get new crankarms as well. I’m 5’4″ and ride a 50cm bike, even though some people my height ride 47’s. I’ve noticed I don’t have the top-of-the-stroke power to pedal circles, and feel like I need to lift the seat, but then when I get to the bottom of the stroke the seat height is just right.
So yeah, shorter crankarms are needed.
The length of your crankarms is stamped on their inside surface, if you need to double check.
dude! you’re going to get me in trouble with the wife…now I want to upgrade my bike