45 mins for 12-13 miles is a pretty good pace, regardless. I agree w/t poster who recommended replacing the sus-fork w/a cro-mo. Smaller width tires will help as well. One can find tires as small as 1.25 inches for 26" wheels. That'll help w/one's rolling resistance. Make sure they're flat-resistant, though. You'll save yourself a alot of aggravation. Get yourself some detachable fenders. They'll drag a little, but not as much as the water on the roadways and will keep you from up-spray on rainy days.