thanks! i went ahead and bought the mercier kilo tt stripper (raw) (http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...t_stripper.htm).

first thing i want to upgrade is the headset, the stem, and get short riser bars.

i have heard great things about the thomson elite for the stem and chris king for headsets. but i'm a bike noob and not sure what sizes to purchase and what short riser to get that works with them.

also, other recommendations for upgrades are also helpful. still have some $ in the budget to spend.