Hybrid Bicycles - Turn this to a bybrid?

I'm thinking about turning this old bike into a hybrid. Getting slick 26 x 1.25-1.50 wheels, new step that will raise the handlebar, heck maybe even new handlebar. Everything else will stay the same - I did alreaddy replace the saddle with a cushy one - the Giant Comfortgroove Plus-s.

What do you think - is it worth doing or should I get a hybrid?

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/3963/kona03sm.jpg (http://img152.imageshack.us/i/kona03sm.jpg/)

http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/6235/kona04sm.jpg (http://img26.imageshack.us/i/kona04sm.jpg/)

http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/8880/kona05sm.jpg (http://img101.imageshack.us/i/kona05sm.jpg/)

http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/7973/kona06sm.jpg (http://img185.imageshack.us/i/kona06sm.jpg/)

I say throw some slicks on it, put on a riser bar, and have at it :)

My main pavement bike USED to be a MTB with slicks. I only rode it on a 10 mile loop, but it was fun. That frame looks like a good frame at least, and decent looking components, might as well make it more what you want. If you hybridize it a little and decide you would rather have a "true" hybrid, then you can go buy one :)

That's a sweet ride, a much nicer bike than most of the models sold as hybrids.

The stock stem looks nice. Seems to match the Project Two fork but looks like it has a different name? I can't make it out. Yeah, it is kind of long though. Assuming you are looking to sit more upright, a shorter stem will help. Try moving your saddle forward on the seatpost clamp. That will put you in a more efficient pedaling position as well as putting you closer to the cockpit, and thus in a more upright position.

As you suggest, you might need a riser bar as well as a different stem, but I agree you should try a different stem first. I don't think risers on that stem would be a good match. Enjoy the ride!

^^^^

It is a hybrid. :) It's a nice frame too. Try urban slicks like medium pressure Conti Sport Contacts (60-70 psi) fast or Marathons -slower. Change the stem for a shorter/adjustable one tilted up a little to get weight off your wrists and back, and a set of MTB riser bars like the Easton EA30 or similar to give you a small backsweep for comfort - and you have a winner. Fix the saddle angle while you're at it. If you don't use the cow-horns, loose them.

The brakes wil lbe fine if the rims aren't worn. A cheap visual upgrade would be a set of Ebay Deore V-brakes, they should fit on the canti bosses. You'll lose the straddle wires and gain a little more precision. Check the fit first.

Keep all the bits you take off, if you don't like the result sell the bike in original fit. It's a winner.