Hi all, here's the deal. My main bike is a triple Ultegra/DA (a comfy touring type), love it. Will continue to ride this for my main bike.

However, I have a decent AL. racing frame sitting around that has Tiagra triple stuff on it. It rides ok, but always has little issues with the components. Nothing major and hey, it got me back into riding! I still use it as my indoor bike. I'm thinking about upgrading this and making a budget racer type or fast club bike that I would ride outside on occasion when I feel like hammering. I have some decent wheels and a couple casettes to mix and match, looking to go from a Tiagra triple to 105 or Ultegra compact double. Will probably do this in stages, so I need some advice and opinions on the process.

Here's what I'm thinking:

1. Compact double and BB first. Ritchey or used FSA, and FD. Probably also do the RD at the same time. I'd like to keep it 9 speed so i can swap parts with my main ride.

2. Eventually the Brifters. Have Tiagra triples, would they work ok with the above setup temporarily? Until I can find a deal on some doubles?

3. Brakes. Not a huge expense, but would it be a noticeable upgrade at all?

I know this won't turn me into Floyd (is it time to stop saying Lance?). But it isn't that expensive, and until I save up for my custom Strong frame , this is all I can tinker with. I'm mostly a touring type rider and have no illusions of being a Cat 1, but a second bike is good and if it makes me kick it up a notch on occasion, is that wrong?