Thanks for all the great suggestions. I really appreciate it.
I have a used 18 speed Fuji America I just bought off craigslist for $200 which is in mint condition. I was looking at having some of the parts replaced (switching out the road bike handlebars to straight bars, converting the end bar shifters to thumb shifters, swapping out the tires for a little wider / tougher set and two finger trigger style brake levers - bmx bike style - to replace the road bike brake levers.
I was given a conservative estimate of $70 in parts and around $30 in labor if I want the shop to do the work which would bring the total invested to $300.00 but I will find out the actual cost in a few days.
I'm not sure if I should go for it or spend $400+ on something new. The vision I had for the Fuji was something semi custom, fast with a slightly more upright riding position than a road bike. When I was younger I did the same to a Shogun I had and I loved it except for the constant warped rims from all the potholes......although....I rode a lot more aggressively back then. I don't think I ever even used the brakes...lol
Last edited by shawnshank; 07-29-10 at 11:53 AM.