about a year ago i excitedly bought my first road bike. i bought the biggest size that they manufactured and the best quality that i could find in my price range. after a year of riding i have found several problems with the bike, mostly because i chose the wrong bike and i am looking at fixing these problems.

firstly the biggest size they made is far to small and although i can get the saddle height correct it leaves the bars way too low. i am looking for a stem that perhaps has a steep angle that would raise the bars a little. i don't need a longer one becasue the reach is comfortable now. i'm actulally hoping for a specific model number that i can look up online as i haven't found anything in the local bike shops.

the second issue is the gearing, 52/39 and the front and 8 speed 12 to 25 at the rear. entered my first race yesterday and round that i didn't have gears anywhere near small enough to get up the 10% incliine withouth burning myself out in minutes. so my second question is can i simply unscrew the 39 ring and replace it with a 34 but still keep the original crank. i have checked out upgrading the rear cassette and i know this is possible in theory too.

the bike has shimano 2300 compenents if that makes a difference.

i know a complete bike upgrade would make more sence but the jump to the next level of bike is one i would like to hold out for if possible as its quite a jump in price.

thanks for any help you can offer...