I think how this kind of configuration turns out depends on the frame you're starting out with. Here's our MB-2 road bike; with 26x1.5 non-tourguard Paselas it handles more like a road bike than a vegetable truck. :-) The rider is pretty short, so the fact that a 19" seat tube is a largeish MTB works out just fine. Of course it's quite stiff, but not harsh at all. I almost want to write Grant Petersen a thank-you note.