Bicycle Mechanics - "Roadification" Question

Hey everyone,

So here's the scoop about me and my thinking of "roadifying" the 4100:

I'm thinking about turning my Trek 4100 in to a more road-able bike, but I'm new to this kind of stuff. The ideal situation would just be that I could get some road tubes, plop them on my wheels and go. However, I don't believe the tubes will fit on my wheels though I really have no clue, so I would love for someone to inform me (I have the stock wheelset that comes with the 4100, FYI).

This brings up my second question. If the tubes won't fit over my wheels, Will a full wheelset work well under my suspention fork? I really don't see why they wouldn't unless the circumfrence is too large...and if the axle it came with was too small, than I could theoretically just get a longer one, though I'm not sure I'd want to mess with that.

EDIT: Also, a brand new suspension fork shouldn't be really necissary, should it? Just one more question I have about "roadifying" my bike.

Anyways, guys, I'm just trying to get my Trek 4100 more in-tune for road riding without plopping down the cash for a new bike, frame, or the like. So please let me know if I can just plop on some tubes or if I'll need a whole wheelset and if the wheelset will work or if I should just buy an additional road bike.

Thanks,
Shane

P.S. I love the size and ride of my bike, and the three roadies we have are truly my father's; plus, I probably wouldn't be able to fit.

P.P.S. If a true roadie is my best bet, can someone recommend some nice and cheap ones? I would even think about trading in the 4100 if need be, but I'd still prefer a price south of 500, though, if I don't buy used, that will probably never buy me a good bike. However, I don't put a crazy amount of stress on my bike, so who knows. Thanks for the advice guys.

Okie no reason for new wheels, road wheels are 700c and you're wheels are 26inch.. so not sure how well they would fit if at all. I would just go get some slick tires, put them on their. You can even replace the suspension fork with a rigid one if you want. This would make it very road worthy bike. Basicaly would give you alot mroe upright riding position compared to a road bike. Fuji makes some lower end road bikes that are not a bad cost.

I have a pair of slicks in the garage that re 700x23cc tires. I'm really a total noob at trying to do this...but I don't think those are the right size for the 4100; are they? I would think not, but better safe than sorry. If so, can someone point me as to what size I need or just telling me where I could find out if you don't know. I'm also thinking about mounting on this fork (http://www.performancebike.com/shop/Profile.cfm?SKU=13210) even though it isn't the greatest; it's affordable and I don't want to invest a huge sum of money in to something I'm doing for the first time and could mess up on. Thanks for the help.

EDIT: I'm the stupidest person I know, but just realized that I would need different tubes of course. I would need 26x1.5 tubes...looks like I'll be heading to the LBS this weekend.

That's a road fork designed for 700C wheelset you need to get a MTB fork. You need to get 26 inch tires.

Tires like these for Example
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product.asp?number=39328
http://wheelworld.com/site/itemdetails.cfm?ID=829&Catalog=39&sort=Price
http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=121&subcategory=1084&brand=&sku=7571&storetype=&estoreid=

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=121&subcategory=1084&brand=&sku=6875&storetype=&estoreid=
And a fork like this
http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=86&subcategory=1183&brand=&sku=2284&storetype=&estoreid=
https://secure2.nexternal.com/shared/StoreFront/default.asp?CS=Icycles&BusType=BtoC&Count1=583919703&Count2=501060128&Target=products%2Easp&CategoryID=47


Basicaly tires o a MTB are 26inch and tires on a road bike are 700c , this is the physical size of the tire and they are not interchangeble. Also MTB forks have different brakes then a road bike.

Purchase some no-name 80 - 100psi 1" - 1.5" slicks, I picked up mine from nashbar last year for $12 each. That should get you started. If you can, lock out your front fork; you do not need the suspension for riding on the road.

When you replace wheels, you need to line up the brake pads with the rim. 26" and 700c are different diameters, so your pads will not match. If you have disk brakes, you can often swap a 26" wheel for a 700c. You then need to ensure tyre clearance at the fork crown and the bridge between the rear stays. MTBs usually have a lot of clearance, so you can fit the wheel in.
Is there any advantage to fitting a 700c wheel to a 26" wheel bike? Not really. Modern high pressure slick tyres are very efficient. 26" wheels need not be any heavier than 700c. The slight aerodynamic drag of a 1.5" slick is only of concern if you are trying to win a race, and you can get MTB slicks down to 1" wide.
You can fit a replacement ridgid fork if you like. Most bike shops have discarded steel ones. There is a wide variation in weight and quality, make sure you get a light springy one (like a Kona) for comfort; massive thick ridgid forks can be brutal on your wrists. Pace in the UK make a neat carbon fixed fork for MTBs but it isnt cheap. Forks affect the steering, so make sure the bike rides well.

KISS (keep it simple, stupid). Get some quality slick tyres, 1.5 for rough roads, 1.25 for good roads. Get some narrow inner tubes for your tyres. Fit them. Pump them up as hard as possible.

When you replace wheels, you need to line up the brake pads with the rim. 26" and 700c are different diameters, so your pads will not match. If you have disk brakes, you can often swap a 26" wheel for a 700c. You then need to ensure tyre clearance at the fork crown and the bridge between the rear stays. MTBs usually have a lot of clearance, so you can fit the wheel in.
Is there any advantage to fitting a 700c wheel to a 26" wheel bike? Not really. Modern high pressure slick tyres are very efficient. 26" wheels need not be any heavier than 700c. The slight aerodynamic drag of a 1.5" slick is only of concern if you are trying to win a race, and you can get MTB slicks down to 1" wide.
You can fit a replacement ridgid fork if you like. Most bike shops have discarded steel ones. There is a wide variation in weight and quality, make sure you get a light springy one (like a Kona) for comfort; massive thick ridgid forks can be brutal on your wrists. Pace in the UK make a neat carbon fixed fork for MTBs but it isnt cheap. Forks affect the steering, so make sure the bike rides well. Fork steerers vary in diamter, you would need the same diameter and headset style.

KISS (keep it simple, stupid). Get some quality slick tyres, 1.5 for rough roads, 1.25 for good roads. Get some narrow inner tubes for your tyres. Fit them. Pump them up as hard as possible.

I just got my slicks on, and boy what a difference! I forwent the fork right now because I plan to buy a true road bike in a year or so and definitely before the Alaskan tour I'm probably going to be taking.