component upgrades.

[Blueberry]

What a cool bike! I have a newer 520 (2006) and LOVE it. I love my bar end shifters. I have them on 3 bikes, and will probably put them on my road bike when the sti shifters give out. STI (for me) seems to require very regular adjustment, and I just don't have the patience for it. I'm much happier with something that just works. Others love STI. If you plan to tour, though, I'd stick with bar ends. STI's either work, or they don't. But if they break, there's not much in between (except putting a down tube back on as an emergency fix...)

Mountain components let you keep a very wide range, so you have low gears if you ever want to do loaded touring. I love them and wouldn't give them up - but that's me. I do wonder if you'll have to change out the rear wheel to go to 9 speed or 10 speed. You would probably notice a wheel upgrade I agree with what others have said - repainting is always an option. But, I wouldn't give up that frame (sell it to me, if you do).

Good luck

CA