I def want to buy a used bike (more for the money) and i would like to do a conversion/upgrades myself if possible. I have most general tools (as in screwdrivers, rachets, wrenches, hammer, drill, etc.) I don't have specialty tools...(but i guess that is why they are specialty). I know if i do the work myself, like several ppl have said, i will know what is going on, and have a much better idea of have to fix it if there is a problem. The thought of just going to a bike shop and just buying one "off the shelf" is not really what i want to do. I would rather this be more of a project.