Upgrades

I generally feel that the stem and handlebars should be the first upgrade to consider on any bike. It does the most to make a bike fit you and feel right. I'd start by annoying other riders by asking to feel their bars so that you can find the sweep, width and over all feel that you like. Wider bars can also allow you to run a slightly shorter stem for more positive steering. Hope that helps!

I don't know if I'd bother going all the way to carbon, as it's quite expensive. Some basic aluminum bits will serve you fine. The thirty inch range is where most people are ending up with. Perhaps paired with a 50mm stem?

Kore makes some great and cheap bars in varying widths. I think their most expensive one is around $80. Their stems are good but a little on the heavy side. But...a stem is a stem in my eyes. I run the Kore 50mm stem which was around $40. Truvativ also has good cheap options. If you don't want colored stuff there's lots out there.

My first upgrade is usually wheels. Biggest difference along with tubeless tires. Then XTR shifters. Those things are butter.

*prices quoted in US Dollars

Can't go wrong with Renthal bars. Truvativ Boobar won't break the bank, nice and stiff as well.

I agree with xyian, wheels are usually my first upgrade.