[2023] Grease Monkey is a huge waste of points now.

Those points aren't strictly wasted. First off, Having them means you'll find the vehicle books more often- Which, given you want to make handlebars, will be pretty important.

Second, you can respec at any time with a Grandpa's Fergettin Elixer- Nothing stopping you from respeccing out of those decisions, or even waiting till you can craft the handlebars before doing so.