hello my name is paul im relatively new to road biking. i bought a cheap bike offline to get started. about 3 weeks i started riding every day and loving it. am i correct with my understanding that the components are what really make the bike ?. ive seen some bike like specialized allez triple with a 800$ price tag having sora/ tiagra . ive also seen stuff on bikesdirect.com with 105 or ultegra components cost around the same price range. im not planning on upgrading yet, but id like to have the knowledge for if there comes a time i am ready to. Fitting or constructing a bike isn't a problem.

Components do make the bike nicer, but you wouldn't want to put top of the line components on a cheap frame.

Does that answer your question?

the whole relationship between frame, components, and wheels is rather complicated, or, just depends on what you are trying to get out of the bike or out of the ride. A good frame with cheap components will probably ride really nice, but not shift well. A junky frame with good components may shift and brake well but not ride nicely.
Most experienced riders, if forced to choose between a good frame with cheap components, or good components with a cheap frame, have an opinion as individuals on which direction they would go, it is a matter of personal preference.
Keep in mind that really most everything about a bike is personal choice and trade off, there aren't truly any right or wrong answers.

I would work from the ground up (literally) Wheels first, then components, then handlebars/stem/seatpost. You can also fit the saddle anywhere in that mix as it is also pretty integral to the overall ride, but trying to find a saddle that fits you could be long ordeal as you ride longer and you realize that the saddle you once had isn't that good for longer distances anymore.

i have a cheapo bike off bikes direct. cost me 279, i didnt want to buy an expensive bike to start off with and end up with it just sitting in the house collecting dust. but i have been spending more and more time in the saddle and the shifting is becoming annoying, the shifters are on the down tube an the shifting is overall ****y. the ride itself is fine, i normaly do 20+ miles a day about 15-16mph avg now. if i keep spending more and more time on the bike i would like to find a good bike/ components and pass on my starter bike to my gf . what would you recommend me checking out in the 800-900$ price range , and hoping i wont outgrow it fast. i wanted to ask you guys first before i check bikes shops once i move back to NY

You could just change out the shifters to the tiagra sti pretty easily. You would need new cables, cable stops and the shifters/brakes. But I would stop there. The only reason I would even concider doing this mod is that you would use it the rest of the year and then give it to your girl to ride after that. Otherwise its not a good investment.
Other than the above, save your money and buy something else next season.

ls01, that could be tricky. https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...y/avenue_b.htm

8 speed microshift. Don't think anybody makes an STI lever for that.

Wait a little longer and save up a bit more. Once you get to the $1100-1200 range your options really open up.

im not gona mess with upgrading the POS i ride rite now. iim looking to just get another ride (when im ready)that is good quality in the 800-900 price range that i wont outgrow too fast. any recommendations?

Except that steel is real!

A primo frame with junk components is like a buxom & voluptuous woman with a beard.
A junk frame with Dura Ace is like Kate Moss--cute face, but a body like a starving little boy from a Dickens novel.

If you can't afford the primo frame with the Dura Ace, simply find the best compromise you can tolerate.