Handlebar Tape Cork
 Road Bike Red Cork Handlebar Tape W End Plugs NEW US $3.97 
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 Road Bike Blue Cork Handlebar Tape W End Plugs NEW US $3.97
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 Road Bike Yellow Cork Handlebar Tape W End Plugs NEW US $3.97
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 ORBEA VELO CORK Blue Bicycle Handlebar Tape Bike NEW US $.99
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 ORBEA VELO CORK Red Bicycle Handlebar Tape Bike 09 NEW US $2.97
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 Road Bike Black Cork Handlebar Tape W End Plugs NEW US $3.97
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 CINELLI ORIGINAL CORK HANDLEBAR TAPE BLUE JEANS US $15.99
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 CINELLI CORK RIBBON HANDLEBAR TAPE BLACK US $17.95
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 CINELLI CORK RIBBON HANDLEBAR TAPE LIGHT BLUE US $17.95
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 CINELLI GEL CORK ROAD BIKE HANDLEBAR TAPE WHITE US $22.95
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 Forza Cork Handlebar Tape Pink US $11.99
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 Handlebar tape CicloLinea Cork Yellow with end caps NEW US $15.00
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 Nastro Manubrio Cork Handlebar Tape ITM Tape Rosso Red US $8.99
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 PLANET BIKE GEL HANDLE BAR TAPE PLUG SET BLUE CORK NEW US $14.90
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 PLANET BIKE GEL HANDLE BAR TAPE PLUG SET YELLOW CORK NEW US $14.90
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 PLANET BIKE GEL HANDLE BAR TAPE PLUG SET GREEN CORK NEW US $14.90
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 BIANCHI Road Bike Gel Cork Bicycle Handlebar Drop Bar Tape Wrap w Plug Red US $22.99
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 CINELLI CORK Handle bar TAPE WHITE New US $19.53
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 Cinelli Cork Ribbon Handle bar bike Tape WHITE Road US $13.70
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What would be the best upgrade for my bicycle?
Just got an old 70's PEUGEOT touring/road bike. I want to know what will make the biggest improvement?
PROBLEMS:
-seat/saddle is pretty uncomfortable and my butt feels like it's bruised everytime I sit on it...but it's the original seat and looks pretty good
-wheels/rims are a little bent and need to be realigned.
-brakepads are old
-Old handlebar tape gives me blisters
WHAT I WANT TO DO:
-get completely new wheel set (rims tires and tubes)
-get new pads...at least...maybe new brakes as well
-get the handlebars rewrapped in white cork tape.
-get new peddals or just a strap or toe cage.
WHAT I HAVE DONE:
-took off the wheel wells/fenders and lights to loose some weight.
-adjust seat to right position
PLEAS LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THING WILL HELP?
http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii320/matt88coles/IMG_0003-1.jpg
From what I see in the [small] pic, your bike looks to be in pretty good condition. You ask for THE biggest improvement you could make, but all the problems you indicate are important.
Brakes are important. If the pads are old, then replacements are cheap and will last a long time. Don't bother with new brake calipers unless they're so lousy that they will perform poorly even with new pads. Or unless you just want to throw money at it. Try new pads and an adjustment otherwise. Also, inspect the brake cables & housing; if they're in poor condition, you'll gain increased braking performance with replacements. If the cables/housing is in good shape, a cable cleaning/lubing may still be in order. You can find all the info you need for doing this yourself online or at the library.
If the wheels are strong, the rims aren't worn, and the hubs are good, then just get them trued by a qualified person. A new, quality wheelset isn't cheap, and you may be better off putting that money aside for a future bike purchase.
Do you wear gloves? Even so, replace the bar tape if you want. It's not expensive, and you should have little difficulty doing it yourself. The money you save by wrapping your bar yourself can pay for those brake pads you're replacing. If you want a bit more cushion, check out the gel tapes as well as the gel pads you can mount under your choice of tape.
Pedals? You don't mention the type of riding you do or what the problem is with your current pedals.
For the saddle, make sure the width correctly supports your sit bones. If so, check the angle of the seat. Even a slight angle in the wrong direction can cause discomfort on even short rides. Plan on adjusting the seat several times until you get it right. If the seat still isn't comfortable or isn't matched for your dimensions, go the bike shop. See what they've got that will work for you and is still in your budget. Take your bike with you and have them install and adjust he seat for you if they want the sale. Don't be afraid to spend a few dollars; don't go too cheap on your comfort. You've already saved money by truing your wheels rather than replacing. Besides, a properly sized, quality seat can be moved to your next bike in the near future.
If you don't need the fenders/lights, then you did right by removing them. As for weight, though, don't get too caught up in it. It will make you stronger.
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