ok, bear with me now; I haven't done serious wrench turning on a bicycle since I worked on my '71 Raliegh Grand Prix many years ago. You're saying it is easier to change out the rear cassette than just the one ring in front? I am also on a bit of a budget, so what would be the most economical providing I am doing all the labor myself?

I can see that the rear casstte you suggested would keep my top-end gearing the same while changing one? two? three? in the lower range? It probably wouldn't hurt to have more choices if the three largest in the rear were just one or two teeth taller while the other six remained the same. Or even 2 more on two then 1 more on the next two and the rest ramining the same as now. How many combinations are actually available on rear clusters and are they affordable on a tight budget?

There is a guy I work with who builds his own bikes from various components he orders. Maybe I should check with him to see if he can help with the changes you have suggested.

OH! and yes the link you provided is the bike I have.