I like drops the best for street riding. Drops will work great if the flat bars are way too close in right now. If the flat bars are about in the right place, you might want a shorter stem to go with the drops.

While on the local CL, keep your eyes peeled for an Apex or Ascent (if you wanna stay DB). You could probably find one for about the price of a wheelset or even less. The frame upgrade will make a world of difference.

Your bike has steel rims********** Surely not stock on a 1999 Outlook.