Looks like its a steep and expensive one this cycling game. After a lifetime with horses which are complicated and expensive I thought my new hobby would be much simpler and far less costly. First off me and hubster purchased a couple of Halfords hybrids, pootled about and then did a couple of charity rides - really enjoyed and wanted to get involved in more distance and mass participation events so road bikes looked like a good idea. I purchased a Cannondale womens sora triple 7 from Evans sale. Liked how it is so light and loved the 27 gears which are a huge help on the hilly terrain around home. Was not so pleased with the set up from Evans, only got a few hundred yards on first ride, made a turn, handlebars turned front wheel didn't! Heyho returned home tightened up the screw on the stem AND checked everything else and all good. Then first ride with any serious long descent I couldn't stop the booger! So off to a local bike shop. They sorted that good and proper with new pads, calipers and just in case put me cross levers on as well. £130. Whilst it was in I asked them to tweak the gears as the change was not so smooth as I would like. When I read the invoice it said gears adjusted as best as possible due to cheap cassette!!!! and they are not really any better. They're not really a problem, just not so smooth. Lesson learned here. So my question is....... can I improve (upgrade) my bike and at what cost? And would it be worth it? Am going to have a chat with guy at LBS but would welcome opinions from you lot. ( should have asked you all first!) LBS chap also checked out the fit for me and said I would probably be better with slightly wider bars. Heck that's why I went for a women's specific....... narrower bars to suit the female frame? I ain't no hulk!