Originally Posted by
mynameuk
.. i bought the biggest size that they manufactured ..the biggest size they made is far to small
How tall are you, and what's the size of the bike?
Originally Posted by
mynameuk
...i can get the saddle height correct it leaves the bars way too low. i am looking for a stem that perhaps has a steep angle that would raise the bars a little. i don't need a longer one becasue the reach is comfortable now. i'm actulally hoping for a specific model number that i can look up online as i haven't found anything in the local bike shops.
Take your pick:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_sa...3Ariser%20stem
If reach is good now, go for a steerer tube extender instead and keep the stem. Easier to keep track of where the bars will actually end up.
Originally Posted by
mynameuk
...the second issue is the gearing, 52/39 and the front and 8 speed 12 to 25 at the rear. .. i didn't have gears anywhere near small enough to get up the 10% incline withouth burning myself out in minutes...can i simply unscrew the 39 ring and replace it with a 34 but still keep the original crank.
I don't know offhand, and unless someone else chimes in the way forward is to figure out the Bolt Circle Diameter, BCD, which is what determines what rings will fit on which crank.
But ignoring this, there are a few other things to consider:
- guesstimating the ratios a little, dropping from a 39 to a 34 together with a 12-25 cassette is comparable to adding about one-and-a-half lower gear. And by the sound of things, that won't be enough to make you happy.
- Rings are a lot more expensive than complete cranks. Depending on what bottom bracket you have, you may be better off looking for a complete crank in another range instead. Fitness/hybrid stuff with a 46-48 big perhaps. Don't worry about losing the 52, you won't miss it until you're above 30 MPH. And coasting those precious seconds won't do anything important for your average speed and overall time.
- or swap in a MTB derailer and a "MTB" cassette. Or a triple crank. That'll give your gearing range the boost you seem to be asking for.
Originally Posted by
mynameuk
...the bike has shimano 2300 compenents if that makes a difference.
That's Shimano low-end. I'd expect a serious lack of bling value, somewhat crude finish but decent enough performance as long as it's kept clean, lubed and tuned.
Originally Posted by
mynameuk
...i know a complete bike upgrade would make more sence but the jump to the next level of bike is one i would like to hold out for if possible as its quite a jump in price.
If the bike is well and truly too small for you, then you'll quickly get in the range of "good money after bad", "can't polish a..." etc.
Shimano still offers a huge amount of interchangeability, so you might want to look at finding a used bike in a better size instead. Doesn't matter if the wheels are trashed, use your current ride as a donor bike and move the wheels straight over., etc etc.