Thanks for the input. I went back to the shop today and ordered the Tiagra. I brought along my hardly-ridden Terry bike to see if we can make it fit. Close, but I wasn't 100% happy, so we set that project aside. He does take trade-ins, so I'm thinking of trading in the Terry, and using the credit towards the new components on the Vita, and maybe upgrading my Dolce, as well. Last summer we tried replacing the drop bar with an "M" bar. It's like a narrow mustache bar. I didn't follow through at the time, but now I think it will be a good move. He thinks I can use the existing STI shifters until I decide if I like the setup.

Catrin - I've tried grip shifters. They were fun, but after a while I found my wrist/elbow/forearm (I forgot which) was achy.