component upgrades.

[KnottedYet]

That Trek520 frame is a beaut.

If your LBS says the frame's in good shape, and it feels good when you ride it, I'd be upgrading the heck out of the components and living large on that puppy.

Later you can get her repainted if you get bored with the color. (Trek420 did that with her GT commuter, and it looks like a whole new bike.)

I haven't had a brifter give out on me, but I do love my barcons with a burning passion. (like my Campy brifters better than my old Shimanos, but future bikes will have barcons rather than brifters) Perhaps the best way to figure out what will please you most is to pick one and try it. I like barcons because I like my brake levers clean and pure and I like having my shifters set to friction.

Feel the bike love, and go with what appeals to you most.

And... moustache bars are compatible with road levers and barcons, give you a few hand positions, and do a lovely job of keeping you upright for commuting purposes. (got 'em on my Surly Cross Check now) Comfy enough for a 50 mile joy ride, upright enough for a 9 mile white-knuckle commute.