ok, so I'm wanting a bike that I can commute on pretty regularly and I have a couple of choices, first is to buy a new hybrid and ride, or I can change some things on the mtn bike I have now and rarely ride. I don't ride off road anymore due to an old shoulder injury, but the straight bar bike is still the most comfortable to me. The bike I have is a 2010 giant boulder. the things I am worried about if I decide to go this rout are firstly, the front forks, how do I stiffen them so that they don't take up so much of the power when pushing hard uphill? Secondly, I know I can get slicks, or semi-slicks to go on the original wheels, but could I put 700c wheels on it if I so choose down the road? and lastly, this bike is a bit heavy offroad, and I'm not sure if it's gonna be to heavy for commuting duty, or if I would need to regear it as well. So since I am the newbie here lay the knowledge on me. I will appreciate anysuggestions you may have. TIA.