Changes to '97 Specialized Hardrock
 

Currently I ride an '97 Hardrock which was perfectly adequate for the sort of riding I did (commuting and fireroads). Now that I'm in an area with a lot more single track I'm wondering if the long stem (150mm) and narrow flat bars are really the best thing to have. Would I be likely to obtain any significant improvement by switching to a shorted (80 - 100mm) adjustable stem and some riser bars, or is this just putting lipstick on a pig?