Originally Posted by
CigTech
Ok tjspiel is right if you go with the brake/shifters, then you would have the get the 8 speed or 9 speed brake/shifters. And that would cause you to replace the rear Hub, Cassette, chain on a 8 speed set up. If you go with the 9 speed brake/shifters the Cranksets, Bottom Bracket, rear Hub, Cassette and chain would have to be replaced.
What you could upgrade now is the Cranksets with a more road geared Cranksets.
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/product.a...S¤cy=USD
The most important upgrades are Kool Stop brake pads (Salmons, if you ride in the rain) and good tyres. Re the shifters, a much cheaper and equally effective upgrade would be to fit bar end shifters crit racer style. Most people don't know this trick, and it isn't Cycling Fashion Police approved, but it works:
http://sprinterdellacasa.blogspot.co...for-crits.html
If the bike is 7 speed, then look on ebay for old 7 speed bar end shifters. But for commuting, rather than racing, why bother?