Help me upgrade my wife's new Ti Vaya

Howdy,

Was able to pick up a Ti Vaya at the local consignment shop for a steal.  It's the 2012, more touring oriented model, is pretty much all stock with very light use and is a smidge on the small side for my wife. Given the low price we paid we have a little money to do some upgrades but are trying to be methodical (ie cheap) about it.

So, as my first post here, I was hoping to tap into the expertise of the board members with a few questions/quandaries. I'm still a bit of a bike gumby and some of these q's may be a little naive, so feel free to flame me.

1. Bars definitely need to be raised, question is stem riser versus new fork with longer steerer tube.  I presume the new fork would be stronger, but also more $$$ (since we'd go carbon). Are there any major downsides to stem risers?

2. Bike is currently 3x9 (shimano xt) with bar end shifters, which my wife does not like.  Initially my thought was to just upgrade the whole groupo to Tiagra or 105 since both can be had for <$400.  However, $$$ and the component spec that's on there now shifts just fine and seems a waste to replace. Other than Sora 3x9 what options do I have for a quick shifter upgrade? Would swapping out the crank/front cogs for 2x increase my options at all? What about changing cassette and rear mech?

3. Since it's one of the smaller frame sizes, Salsa spec'd these Vayas with 26" wheels.  There are currently Continental Touring tires which are stiff/heavy. I'd like to put something more supple and gravel oriented, but definitely a tire that favors pavement performance.  Seems like options in 26" are pretty limited, any suggestions?

4. Given the limitations on 26" tires, any ideas on how to figure out if I can get 650b with a lower volume tire on the frame other than buying everything and hoping?  Salsa rep says no, but that's what they're supposed to say.

I know that's a whole ton of questions, so appreciate any help there is to offer!

Murdog wrote:I get the attraction to a Ti Vaya, I have 7 or 8k mikes on mine at least, but it’s the perfect fit. Your talking about a lot of work and money for a bike that dounds like it doesn’t fit right.