Quote Originally Posted by ny biker View Post
Another thing to consider -- for your budget, you would wind up with an aluminum bike. You might be very happy with it, but as Indysteel indicated, there are more than a few folks here who do strongly prefer steel.

You can test ride a few new bikes in your price range to get a feel for differences in fit, components, and frame material, to help with your decision.
My response was largely based on the assumption that the OP would likely end up with an aluminum frame, which may or may not be a big improvement. But others have raised good points. If the Trek just fits so so, then fixing it up doesn't make a ton of sense.

Still, I'm a big fan a steel, especially for long rides!