Biking Question

What I would suggest is maybe try to sell your bike on ebay/craigs list and buy a smaller bike with the money you get from the sale.  I say this is because if you are not comfortable, you won't want to go out and ride...and that is the only way you will get better at the bike.  Lots of bikes on Craigslist in Charlotte (not sure where you live) if you are looking (make sure you negotiate though...asking prices are kinda high).

My bike speed has definately been the slowest to improve but after months of riding you will start to see the improvement (especially if you keep increasing your long rides).  I don't believe I saw any noticable improvement on my bike the first month.  5 months later I am riding 1.5mph faster on average. 

not sure how you intend to improve on equipment that isnt correctly fitted. You wouldn't run in shoes that are entirely too large for you, so why have a bike that is improperly fitted. At best you'd be just looking to survive the ride than improve.

Perhaps you can visit your LSB and they can perform "magic" on the bike to assist your comfort level on the bike, i.e. fork swap, stem adjustment, seat height adjustment, etc...

Things of this nature will assist you in getting into the groove you seek. And as always, practice makes perfect.

I suck at swimming. i flailed at my first lake swim last nite, but i'm working on it. it's a totally different game than pool swimming to me. But i'm getting out there and trying to get as much practice as i can, in. Will i be a Phelps by the Triangle Tri? prolly not, but at least i wont sink...i hope.