I don't have intentions of replacing the stem, I was just wondering why you recommended it. I like the style, and the angle. Make for a comfortable ride.

I am wondering how much I want to do to this bike though. I love the bike, and it serves me well for leisure and exercise riding around town. The grip shifts are the main annoyance. I was hoping to make it multi-purpose, maybe semi mountain bike for dirt trails. The tire size seems so odd that the only thing I found is hybrid tires, which still look quite thin. They at least look to be grippier than what I have currently.

Part of me is wondering if I should just upgrade the shifters and grips and use it for what I have been, and maybe look at a Trek 4500 for off road trail stuff....

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...4_series/4500/

Comes in a 24" frame which I am sure won't be too different that the 25" hybrid I have now.