Dynaryder, thanks for the advice on the bmx. I'll look into those tires you mentioned.

Caloso, I traded in an old touring bike for the mountain bike. Crap! Oh well. Hopefully someone else will find it useful. I like the idea of using an older model touring bike frame though. Someone had mentioned that to me a while ago and it was only when I read your post that I remembered. When you say find an old touring bike, what years should the bike have been manufactured? Thanks