Hi, first post here so this is a good chance to poke fun at my ignorance ....

I just got a Bridgestone MB-5 (Trailblazer) and was looking at road bikes (nothing amazing, as this will be my first bike and I'm on a college student budget). I was looking at a Surly Cross-check (or if anyone else has any good suggestions for about $1,000), but would it be easier, cheaper, or even possible to strip my MB-5 to the frame and build it as I want it? I understand that this is a Mtn bike frame, so would it even work as a starter road bike or is this just ridiculous to think of??

Thanks all!!