Jim J

Here's the specs: I have a '97 Trek 730 Hybrid. 3 front rings...24-34-42. 7 speed cassette...11-13-15-18-21-24-30. Sram SRT 4.0 handlebar twist type shifters. Shimano Acer X Front DR, bottom pull.

I want to try to make whatever changes I can to achieve more speed. I'd like more top end speed and was wondering if changing front rings and/or rear cassette would help achieve this. Looking at the rear cassettes you can tell I'm always in the smallest cogs. A more experienced rider noticed the wear pattern and said I should be in the middle to upper cogs more but with the gearing I have it would be hard to do.

So, my question....from a real newbie when it comes to specs and the mechanics involved...how hard would it be to make the needed changes and what changes would you make (rings, cassette, DR, etc)?

Is this something better left to the LBS?

Thanks for your insight.

Jim