Brian,
Pedels? I know two ppl who have Egg Beaters, the both say the are the best things in the world!! nothing sweeter, unless you're shy about the gnarly technical stuff, and want to ride unclipped. they have very little tread-space,and well you roll off. (ouch)
then Time are better. (someone has a pair of egg beaters for sale on the mec web page, http://www.mec.ca/Apps/gearSwap/gear...=1024756305472

Stems, I think unless you are extreemly concerned about weight, the cheaper ones are stiffer (more material obviously) but if you are going to spend bigger money on bars, spend equally on a stem. You may be feeling the flex from your fork, as much as from your bars.

I switched to a Marzocchi fork last year, and dont notice any more handlebar flex...

good luck dude,