Hi, I just got a 2013 Raleigh Hybrid and it was around $400 when it came out. Before that I have a 1991 Trek 830 Mtb.
According to this article
It is 32lbs. The 2013 Raleigh is 26lbs. How much sppeed improvement can i expected to see theoretically? and practically?
Before i got the bike i usually go from home to bus stops about 2 miles. Whats you guys average commute speed? I know that Google maps is calculated at 10/mph-hills.
I have done 12 mile round trip and my speed closely matched Google maps. speed.
1. My bike has triple chaining and 7 speed. Would it be better to have compact crankset 50-34 to avoid cross chaining. Is it really big no-no to pedal 48x28. I mean 2nd chaining(38 seems much slower like only half speed).

Vuelta Corsa Comp 50T/34T SQ 110/BCD Crankset ( Fits square taper 110mm bottom bracket )

is $36 from Amazon. Can i put it on my bike? Would it be much harder to pedal than 48-38-28 crankset?
Thank you, any comments are appreciated.