i currently have an old hardtail

(here are the specs: http://www.ibexbikes.com/Bikes/2003/...450-Specs.html ).

i planned to singletrack with it but mostly use it in urban places.

what would you swap and replace to make this more road / long distance friendly?

get a rigid fork? (it currently has rock shox judy fork which is a waste of energy for flat pavement)

this is a entry level bike so would it be cheaper to just buy a road bike?

if not, what would you change first?