Cool! All good suggestions... I guess I have more to think about...

Currently I got a good deal on an SRAM 12-26 cassette. Only slightly larger than my stock 12-25 9spd but it did actually make a difference. I was also considering a 12-27 cassette...

So maybe I'll do the cassette and wheels thing. But I'll weight more of my options since I'm in no huge hurry just yet.

Thanks again!

Hmmm... Cane Creek, Ritchey, Xero, etc...