Originally Posted by
rms13
Thanks for the advice so far. My main issues are slow from a stop and slow in general. I believe the gearing on the bike is 44/16 which seems like it's common (again, I'm still new to single speeds). The bike is 57cm which I think is slightly big for me at 5'10". I can stradle the bar but there is not really any gap between my crotch and the bar. The bike is listed at 29.5 lbs stock, I figure I lost a little weight with the handlebars I put on but it seems like a lot of other single speeds come in closer to 20 lbs?
Of course I know I probably just need to pedal harder too
Straddling the top tube means very little in terms of fit. What matters is your reach when you're riding the bike. Provided your saddle is in the right position, if you feel ok, then you're ok. 44/16 is common, but it doesn't mean it's what's best for you. try 44/18 and you will feel a huge difference in terms of acceleration and perceived speed. Changing your gearing will do more for your speed than losing ten lbs off a bike.