General Cycling Discussion - Cypress ST - Don't know what to change

I was looking at my Cypress ST and it is like something is missing or maybe something there too much. I look at it sometimes and think, that is kind of an ugly bike lol.

I bought a pair of cork grips, from Rivendell BW, and realised they won't work with my current handlebars not because of different sizes, but because my brake lever and gear grips can't go any further down the handlebar and don't allow the grips to fully fit onto the bar.

What I want to know is what would you change on this bicycle, I have been considering changing the handlebars, I like the way the VO Porteur handlebars look, but I have no idea how they would function in this bike, so give me your opinions and your "if it was me" replies, thanks.

By the way the basket was a temporary thing.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4909217115_6337e17fbb_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/50362797@N02/4909217115/)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4098/4909215129_4ae076fef1_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/50362797@N02/4909215129/)

I bought a pair of cork grips, from Rivendell BW, and realised they won't work with my current handlebars not because of different sizes, but because my brake lever and gear grips can't go any further down the handlebar and don't allow the grips to fully fit onto the bar.
It looks like the shifter/brake can be moved about an inch inward on the handlebar. Is that enough so the grips will fit?

Just looking at the picture, I don't think I'd swap out any components just for cosmetics sake. (If you have something that works better or is more comfortable, that's different). I don't care a whole lot for the looks of the bike, but that's mainly due to the style of the frame, which is similar to a mixte layout, and that just doesn't appeal to me.

I forget the model designation of my Cypress, but trust me, it is one beautiful bike. There!

My significant changes have been the addition of Cane Creek Bar Stablizers, and Ergon II grips. The Ergons fit with standard grips after noodging the brake and shifter levers inboard. When I added the Stablizers, I had to saw the grips to make them about 3/4 inch shorter. No loss of comfort.

These are the only mods that might be considered cosmetic.

I would put a water bottle and cage on it. Pump and saddle bag for emergancy tools.

It looks like the shifter/brake can be moved about an inch inward on the handlebar. Is that enough so the grips will fit?

I tried, it seems that it will only move about 1/3 of an inch, the current grips are 3 1/2 inches and the cork grips are 4 3/4 inches. So I really don't know how to get them in there unless they stick out of the edge of the handlebar for about an inch or more.

Could you switch to little thumb-shifters? That should free up some space on the bars.

I used to have a Cypress ST. I changed the handlebar out for a flat-bar with bar-ends. It was still ugly, but made it more comfortable. I also put on a Brooks saddle, beefy BMX style pedals.

I swapped out the wheels (which kept popping spokes) with some good hand-built ones, and ditched the suspension seatpost.

That poor bike died, but it lived a full life. Here's a picture from a particularly adventurous ride:
http://fatguy.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/DSCF5460.JPG

i think straight bars with bar-ends look nice, but dont do it unless you would be comfortable with the lower hand position. A small handlebar bag , with offset mounting to clear cables would be useful for things you want quick access to when riding.