Originally Posted by SacLeisureRider
and MAYBE change out the bars to something with drops.... Maybe. Then get in shape and wait till the funds come in for a good road bike. A guy I know suggested Bianchi as a good brand, what are some other nice brands for road bikes?
If this is just an interim/get back in shape bike I'd skip the extra expense and hassle of putting a drop-type bar on the mtb. Although you can tell them it's an old Cannondale! hehe! j/k! The trigger shifters may pose a problem when trying to mount them cleanly on drop bars along with brake levers.
I'm sure you can find a decent front suspension bike in your price range and just go to town with that for a while until you can afford a good road bike that suits your needs.
As for good road bikes... you have so many options... Trek, Specialized, LeMond, Fuji, Novara (REI brand), Bianchi, Giant, etc... What I did was ride everything I could and went with what felt best and was in my price range. I ended up with a Specialized Allez Elite.
Good luck in your search!