So I was given a 2011 Specialized Sirrus a couple days ago for free. I just needs a tune up, bottom bracket maintenance, and new brake cables as is. Pretty good for free!

But I would like to work towards converting it from a flatbar hybrid to a drop bar road bike. I know that the geometry won't be the same as a real road bike, but it was free. Currently while riding it I feel as if the stem is too short such that handlebars are too close, but of course I'm also not used to sitting up on a bike. So I figure that considering drops reach farther forward it might help that problem as well.

this is my current parts list.

SRAM PG820 Bicycle Cassette 11-28 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

ZEUS CAT II 46cm Alloy Drop Handlebars 31.8mm Aluminum Black 460mm http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...A1J160NEEMK233

Problem Solvers Travel Agents http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...A2TE9IQP68MWQU

Shimano Brake Cable and Housing Set (Universal) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=AJ5KCH6R81QUN

Shimano ST-2303 3x8sp STI set, front/rear - sil/ http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...A1T143F568NMY7

Total: $178.35

Is there anything I'm missing?
Also my derailleur is a shimano altus 7 speed I believe, will it still work with 8 speed shifters and cassette?
I'm trying to do this on a bit of a budget and of course the more it costs the longer it will take for me to get that money.