Upgrading wheels (I'm not sure what the choices are for 9 speed) might make you happy. I'm guessing the bike is in the 20 pound range. A new bike that doesn't break the bank might get you a 17 lb bike. But you could lose 3 lbs and get similar effect. Lighter wheel rims, however, can help acceleration and hill climbing. And there are good wheels in the $500 range.