i've been riding my mountain bike with commuter tires to train for the seattle to portland ride in
july. are there any modifications i can make to increase speed/efficiency in 3rd? my third gear has
44 teeth and i was thinking about upgrading the crank. would this increase my speed on the
flats? i love this bike and really want to ride it for the STP. it seems like any modification i make
would cost almost as much as a new bike. tell me i am being silly, i can take it....

feedback appreciated. thanks.