@Barrettscv, thanks for clarifying. I was picturing a replacement of one crankset for another with the same gearing. A few people can feel that, but it's got to be subtle.

@Bianchigirll, very good point. Tires and wheels are usually the best upgrade, but handlebars can change the character of the bike. And of course, when you change handlebars, it is often necessary to change the stem or seat or both. Or at least, you need to readjust. Going from drop bars to upright bars is likely to require a wider seat or tipping the seat up at the nose.