The Smallest Change, The Biggest Improvement

In the context of bicycles, what's the smallest change you've made that's caused the biggest improvement in ride quality? Parts, adjustment, fit, riding style - something fairly innocuous that's provided instant joy.

Go on, tell me. Tell everyone. Tell it like it fucking is.

Putting BMMF on ignore

seriously though, it's always saddle angle. When it's right, it's right; when it's even slightly off - nightmare.

It's saddle fore-aft for me. I won't go into details, but it involves flying in the face of popular opinion.

That's how I'd reply, if it weren't for the fact you're on ignore.

kool stop

Getting a cleat fit.

tyre pressure

saddle height and distance from BB I think.

In terms of mechanical performance it would be changing cables.

lubing the chain, months later ask myself 'why do I not do this more often?'

Lubing the cables.

A cyclefit* consultation. It only involved a couple of minor modifications plus some cleat wedges, but the performance improvements were very noticeable.

*other bike fitting systems are available

In London:
Moving from Bullhorns to risers

In the "country" on my fixehwoo:
Moving to hoods and drops

Saddle height from pedal at lowest point at 910mm is good for me.
Also I find a 150mm saddle to bar drop is perfect.

But the biggest improvement coming from the smallest/cheapest change I'd say is your mentality/general attitude towards the sport, train your mind, and your body will follow.

I took a ride on 10 different saddles on my own bike before buying. Unique shop in Leimuiden NL who gave me the opportunity, great experience, overwhelming differences I could not have imagined. very satisfied now

A while ago I joined a ride where I met a guy who taught me a lot of nice things, later when I started to be almost acknowledged the fucker became a snobbish cunt, so now the only way to enjoy the improvement is to kick his ass.

stem length; it took me a while to realise that a) stems aren't all 100mm+ and b) you're not supposed to be practically horizontal while riding a bike. Though lamentably my Obree superman impression isn't what it used to be.

Started taking fitness more seriously.

Going running twice a week last year saw my speed on the bike go up hugely.

Fitted a front brake.

Purchased Brooks B17.

Staying sober.

stem length; it took me a while to realise that a) stems aren't all 100mm+

Conversely, changing from my stubby 60mm stem to a 100mm stem and actually having fun on descents rather than just shitting in my bib shorts.

Choosing not to indulge in a spot of self-love before going on a long ride

Define quality.

Changing tyres. I've not had punctures in two and a half years, which I attribute to the Marathons on the bike.

It's not a smoother, easier rider... but every time someone else mentions punctures I yet again appreciate not having any.

rhEPO

Oh, and clean chain.

I always leave it too long. When it sounds like a tractor, it should've been cleaned already.

Going clipless? Moving from downtube and barcon shifters to STI? Entering a race and realising just how rubbish I actually was?