Since people have been asking for photos and asking about what changes I have done here it is.


Here is the bike. Its a basic model 2014 Scott Metrix 40


Here is the cassette. It is 34 to 11. (8 speed)


Here is the new crank. The old was a 48/38/28. This new one is a 42/32/22. Crank arm use to be 175 but I reduced that to 170. It seems to make it easier to spin.



This is the tire tread.


Tires are Schwalbe Spicers. They came with the bike.

Toe clips. I can use regular shoes this way.

As for using a roller foam or wood that is an idea I had not thought of. My main question is whether this is something everyone experiences? Perhaps it is. I plan to one day reach a point that I am satisfied with the level of strength I obtain. It just seems harder than I thought but I have seen progress.