Hi everyone, I have a question regarding pedaling speed. I don't know all that much about bicycle mechanics and whatnot, so forgive my ignorance.
Last year I bought a new 2012 Specialized Hardrock mountain bike to replace my old Hardrock which I'd had for over 10 years and which I had grown out of. I tested it out in the parking lot of the shop and everything felt perfect. Perfect size, perfect fit, etc etc. So I get home and take it for a ride, only to find out that something felt wrong. I discovered that with this new bike, I am unable to pedal at the same speed I could with the old one. What I mean by this is that when I have the gears on the highest setting, my speed will max out, I will have no pedaling resistance, and I will end up having to coast at a much lower speed than with my old bike, even while on flat ground. This is rather frustrating to me as, well, I can't go very fast, so I am wondering if there is a simple way to increase this maximum speed. I imagine the key would be to put a larger chainwheel on the front; is this correct/possible/a good idea?
[SIZE= 13px]If this is what I need to do, does anyone have any suggestions on specific parts I would need to purchase?[/SIZE]
[SIZE= 13px]Thanks for the help[/SIZE]
Last year I bought a new 2012 Specialized Hardrock mountain bike to replace my old Hardrock which I'd had for over 10 years and which I had grown out of. I tested it out in the parking lot of the shop and everything felt perfect. Perfect size, perfect fit, etc etc. So I get home and take it for a ride, only to find out that something felt wrong. I discovered that with this new bike, I am unable to pedal at the same speed I could with the old one. What I mean by this is that when I have the gears on the highest setting, my speed will max out, I will have no pedaling resistance, and I will end up having to coast at a much lower speed than with my old bike, even while on flat ground. This is rather frustrating to me as, well, I can't go very fast, so I am wondering if there is a simple way to increase this maximum speed. I imagine the key would be to put a larger chainwheel on the front; is this correct/possible/a good idea?
[SIZE= 13px]If this is what I need to do, does anyone have any suggestions on specific parts I would need to purchase?[/SIZE]
[SIZE= 13px]Thanks for the help[/SIZE]