Originally Posted by
Neon.Dove
My last question is: would anyone strongly argue against this sort of upgrade? Am I totally wasting my money here?
Well...
I would not stick $300 into a World Sport. For that money you could sell the bike for 100+ and buy a nicer used bike. $400 will get you pretty good stuff in the used market if you look carefully.
Now, you mentioned turning this bike into a single speed. That can be done very cheaply. Remove the shifters and derailers, the multi-speed freewheel, and thread on an SS freewheel. The freewheel will cost maybe $20 and single speed chainring bolts (if desired) are about $5. Then use your other $275 to look for a nicer used road bike.
I'm a fan of single-speeds and enjoy having my "good" geared road bike along with a cheaper single speed to ride as well.