Hi All. I am looking to customize my swift and looking for some much needed advice. I am a complete novice when it comes to fixing bikes (lazily I hand it to the local bike shop.....).

I have got two bikes at the moment.

A swift which i bought second hand and it set up as a fixie. The frame is about 2.5 years old from Peter. This was used on my local commutes.

A new zooter which is a gift and 8 speed. All standard kit.

I am moving to the middle east and want to take one and use it as a road bike to do some training.

I am not sure where to start. I know i want change the handle bars to bullhorn or drop. I also want to get a new saddle. Apart from that, I am unsure whether to stick with fixie or go with 8 speed - where i will be is very flat and I do love my fixie.

Any advice on some simple modifications to set up a a road bike for speed would be much appreciated.