Sorry OP I did not see this Speedster was a flat bar. I had been recommending the higher end Speedsters with Tiagra and 105 from REI as BD alternatives before. Those ones are not flat bar and have the same exact frame so maybe you could get it with drops. I would still try to do whatever it takes to step up to a full 10 speed. If you are going to ride very much at all and you are stuck at $500 budget then find a used bike with 105.....that's what I would do anyways.