Originally Posted by
xcontext
I am glad you asked. I have a similar problem. I have a 2005 Syrrus that I bought new and rode less then 5 miles total that I am trying to sell and have a hard time doing so. Meanwhile I commute on my Brompton, which is not so efficient because I am afraid to ride my road bike downtown L.A. streets full of potholes. I am thinking about turning the Syrrus into a cross/commuter bike by changing to drop bars, bar end shifters, larger tires, etc. but am afraid to make that step. I am very interested to see the answers you get.
I used to also commute on a Sirrus Sport Disc until some hoser dorred me and dented the frame down by the bottom bracket.
They make fine commuters. I was running 28's with hybrid width fenders. If it wouldn't have been ruined,I would've mounted some cross tires and ridden it through the winter.
28's should be fine for most roads. If you're really concerned,go up to some 32's. As for drop bars,you're gonna spend a bunch 'o dosh,even with barcons. You've got V brakes,right? Not only will you need to get new shifters and brake levers,but you'll also need to get travel agents to adapt the road levers to the V brakes. If you want more hand positions and/or to get aero,go to REI and get a Safari(trekking) bar. You'll be able to use your stock controls,so you'll only have to spend $20 on the bar plus a few more for bar tape or grips. You'll be able to adjust the bar to get aero and have all kinds of places to move your hands around.