I've been mulling a few things here, namely a few upgrades to my bike for next season. My bike is still fairly "new" to me and a 08' Trek FX 7.3. I've only logged about 20 miles on her before winter weather set-in, making riding for a newbie more then desirable. In the short rides that we did I noticed I could feel quite a bit of road buzz... this was followed by research on materials, etc that might make riding a little more enjoyable, etc.

I am a larger rider so I was concerned with the lighter low-spoke wheels on the 7.5 and above that come with the carbon fork. I opted for the 7.3 as it already had 32 spoke wheels that I felt it could support me. Right now most of my riding is for fitness, so I think the FX is great for that, but I'm keeping my mind open toward a full roadie should biking aspirations take me down that route.

I could:

Buy new bike: One with carbon or steel fork... perhaps a new steel frame bike. Full carbon* bike is out of the budget.

* I did find a 06' Trek Pilot 5.0 OCLV 120 Carbon bike for around $800 with Ultegra/105 components, but I know not the first thing about road bikes or carbon and while it SEEMS the original owner took good care of her, I could buy and discover the frame is toast and out the $$$$. Not to mention road bikes are pretty aggressive and not sure I want to make that leap quite yet. I do notice a 06' Pilot with an option of a flat handlebar, so conceivably I wouldn't be stuck with the drops. Nervous about buying used carbon. This bike also comes with "light" wheels that I'm iffy about still. I've lost nearly thirty pounds, but still have a way to go.

Carbon Fork: Find out how much it would cost to have LBS install a carbon fork on my current ride.

Brakeset - Avid SD-3 w/Shimano EF50 levers
Stem - Bontrager Sport, 10 degree
Headset - Aheadset Slimstak w/semi-cartridge bearings, sealed
Front Derailleur Shimano C102
Rear Derailleur Shimano Deore
Crank Shimano M341 48/38/28
Cassette SRAM PG830 11-30, 8 speed

Wait: DH has promised me we would look at an upgraded ride in the spring and I'd have a budget of about $1,250. Thing is, I'm seeing some good deals on used bikes, so I guess I'm being tempted by the deals. DH also pointed out that I had been running my tires at 100psi and that if I soften up at least the front tire I may see an improved ride. Waiting would also allow me more time on the bike and continue to tweak the ride to see if I even NEED a new bike

What should I do... just fix up my bike a little and continue to grow or make the leap?

Thanks,
Shannon