I decider to convert my unused MTB for commuter duty, bought it new in the early 80s, it has lots of sentimental value so to me its worth putting money and effort into rather than just getting a new bike.

the wheels are salvaged from a Schwinn cruiser with a Shimano 7 speed IGH and Schwalbe 26 X 2 Kojaks. The stem is a steel Suntour with VO Belleville bars, Dia-comp inverse levers, and the twist grip shifter mounted to the stem. The inner and outer gear rings are gone as well as the derailleurs. Seat is a fully sprung Brooks B135, rear rack a modified Suntour, and fenders VO zepplin, Bibir mudflap.
Still to do, a VO Porteur front rack, VO chain guard, B&M dyno lights, platform pedals, and a few other small details. I may replace the 7 speed IGH with a Nuvinci N360

The narrow Belleville bars felt awkward at first, but after a couple of miles they began to feel just right making the bike feel very light and responsive. It feels slower, but the computer shows the opposite, the new setup is so relaxed and comfortable its deceptive. The inverse levers do feel different in a good way being less restrictive as to hand position.

Being half the weight of the bike I'm commuting on now, the hills should be a little less challenging.