advice
 

ok, so I'm wanting a bike that I can commute on pretty regularly and I have a couple of choices, first is to buy a new hybrid and ride, or I can change some things on the mtn bike I have now and rarely ride. I don't ride off road anymore due to an old shoulder injury, but the straight bar bike is still the most comfortable to me. The bike I have is a 2010 giant boulder. the things I am worried about if I decide to go this rout are firstly, the front forks, how do I stiffen them so that they don't take up so much of the power when pushing hard uphill? Secondly, I know I can get slicks, or semi-slicks to go on the original wheels, but could I put 700c wheels on it if I so choose down the road? and lastly, this bike is a bit heavy offroad, and I'm not sure if it's gonna be to heavy for commuting duty, or if I would need to regear it as well. So since I am the newbie here lay the knowledge on me. I will appreciate anysuggestions you may have. TIA.

Well...I am one week ahead of you and in exactly the same boat...almost. Here's my $.02:

1. Stiffening the front end...requires changing the fork to a rigid fork for probably $75
2. Putting 700C's on will most likely misalign your brakes...sure it's possible but very costly. Even a new set of tubes and tires for your 26" rims will be about $80.
3. I've looked into putting a bigger crankset up front on my bike. I currently have a 42/34/24 and would like a 48/38/28. The LBS quoted me at a minimum $150 for this.

So, for me, I did change the tires but that still leaves the fork and gearing for an MTB. I'm starting to get some good use out of my MTB...I've put 40 miles on it this week. That's 40 more than I have ridden in the last 10 years.

Instead of pouring money into a bike that won't be exactly what I need, I'm taking the other $150 and $75 and putting it away for a new hybrid. I figure with about a $600-$700 budget, I'm 1/3 there with the money!

I also considered swapping out the front chain rings shortly after getting my bike. I was also quoted about the same price. I couldn't justify the expense, so I passed. I wanted to go faster, but resigned myself to plod along. Then I discovered online gear calculators like Sheldon has- swapping out the cranks would've been a waste of money. Seems that my bike and the way it is configured can potentially hit speeds of over 33 mph... if I could sustain like 120 rpms. Ain't happening.

OP, don't know much about suspension forks, other than some are adjustable to a degree, some offer lock out, while others are just pogo sticks. But you should swap out the tires. These are the ones that I'm running (OEM on my bike). Just make sure that you keep them inflated properly or you will get pinch flats.*

*Got 3 in two weeks when I first got it due to my own ignorance. I thought I could get by with just using the compressor at the c-store/gas station :o

Welcome To Bike Forums, Silvermitsu!

Keep your Boulder, that's a beautiful chromoly frame! Just get yourself a rigid fork and some 26" slick gatorskins. The rigid fork will weigh much less than the suspended fork. You'll accelerate much faster!
The narrow slicks will increase your speed, as well. It will ride like a totally different bike!

You will be a happy camper! :)

Clarkbre, what kind of bike do you have? Thanks for all the advice that has been given, that atleast gives me a point to start from when I visit the lbs that's 5 minutes from work today.

I vote sell and buy something lighter that makes more sense. That's a lot of work you have cut out for you there.

Off topic: What kind of silver Mitsu are you driving?

I don't have that car anymore, it was a 98 eclipse gsx.

Depends on your commute and your conditioning somewhat. For someone like me (old, out of shape) I can max spin at my lower cadence on my mountain bike easily on the flat. But in my old commute there were too few opportunities to stay in top gear and top speed for it to make that much difference in trip time. If you are street riding by all means lock out or stiffen up your front fork and switch to some street slicks or lower weight shallow tread tires. I put Conti Top Contacts on mine, feels much more responsive. Myself I'd do those two things and then start commuting telling myself that if I put in so may days of commuting I'd reward myself with a nice new hybrid.

well unfortunately the trip to work is about 35 miles one way, so I won't be commuting on a regular basis, but I do a lot of things around town and that's what I want this thing for. Off days and after work around town type things. I may consider commuting 2 or 3 times a week after I get my fat ass into a bit better shape, until then this will be for fun and to save gas in the off work hours.

Your MTB is a 2010 model so it might have acceptable resale value. Around here there are LOTS of MTBs on Craigslist, so I think they go pretty cheap. If you can get a good price for your mountain bike, you can put this money towards a nice hybrid. Perhaps you can offer a swap (with or without cash) on Craigslist.