If one has a well fitted basic frameset w/ smoothly functioning components the Old School regimen was to leave well enough alone and put in the seat time necessary for developing Endurance, Power and Speed. No hardware "upgrade" will provide any of the above, but a good reliable basic machine will serve just as well as a costly modified one.

That being said budgeting for a properly fitted machine suitable for long term use with quality components is inevitable if one stays with the sport.
Incrementalism is generally not cost effective in cycling, replace what wears out: the point being riding enough to actually wear it out........

Now having saved and put in enough miles to actually know what one requires: Spend $$$$ and have at it for a few decades of FG use.

PS: You will need a winter/wet/commuter bike at some point, you may be riding it now. Fix what wears out and keep it in service w/o expensive doo-dads.


-Bandera