Question about upgrading my Cross Bike for road use?? Help

[1meangsr]

Hi all this is Aadel, I just joined the club last week at the 1st meeting we had on the 28th.  Anyway I was wondering if anyone here would be able to help out in advising me to upgrade my Trek Cross bike over for road use.  I have already put a nice set of continental Road tires on it.  It has Sram components, the problem right now is that I have to pedal a lot more than I think I need to.  I have a smaller ring set on the the front crank.  What would I need to do to upgrade the front crank to something with a like a 53-39 crank?  Also would this really help me to ride a little faster on the road, I feel like I am pedaling my hardest, but can only yeild about 20-21 miles/hr (of course I am a super noobie at this, and very out of shape at the moment)  I think I can ride faster on my MTB, lol.  Any help would be appreciated! 

Thanks

Aadel

[ThePrez]

post what the gearing on the front crankset is, and also what the are the max and min cogs on your rear cassette.  We can work from there!

[dannynguyen]

Assuming you've got a 46 tooth big ring, that shouldn't be what's holding you back.  If you're in the big ring, and you've clicked over to the smallest gear in the back, you should be able to get some decent speeds.

As for upgrading, it should be a simple chainring swap; you wont have to buy a new crank.  Consider leaving it as is however and just build up your leg strength.  Currently you're not maximizing your hardest gear anyhow.

[1meangsr]

Thanks guys for all the help.  I picked up a 53T Dura-Ace ring today, my rig really seems to respond well to it (of course this was just my parking lot testing by my house, will have to get out on the road to really test it out)

Aadel