crankset

I recently acquired a Sugino crankset + bottom bracket all for $65. I've been meaning to change them out but on the days I have off it's either A, sunny or B, I need a bike that day. It also doesn't help that the shop doesn't repair on the weekends. I'm currently on a 3:1 ratio with a 48-16 setup which is too heavy on the knees, which, I have to rely on the brake in order to stop. Now it will be a 44-16 setup, so it should be lighter and a hell of a lot easier to skip.