lots of food for thought here...

after looking at total conversion prices, even ebaying the pricier bits, it would make sense to find a used roadie. however, i'm pretty sure i want to keep the total below $100.

i really like my atb as a commuter, and don't want to replace it. on crazy rainy days, the disc brakes have (literally) saved my skin.

the breakdown so far:
an ultegra cassette (11-[21|23]) is $38.99 at performancebike.com... i'm banking on the fact that it will fit on a shimano ATB freewheel, am i wrong?

the reason i'm considering a new cassette is that the 3 inner (lowest) gears are totally unused. i don't think i've shifted into them at all in the last 750 miles. the tighter gearing is something that appeals to me (and will inform a future roadie purchase too ). i'll likely get much more usage out of the closer gearing.

i can get a 46T at cambriabike.com for $36. i also found 34-38T middle chainrings which has got me considering replacing those too.

is it possible to remove the inner ring completely, and move the low gear limiter into the middle ring position? or is that just a silly idea?

i think it's feasible to spend $90ish on some newer gearing.

i welcome thoughts and comments. thanks!

-chris