MB-5 conversion to a roadbike possible??
 

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!!

I have a MB-4 probably from the same era, a 1991 I believe. It has been one of my most used bikes over the years. I've pulled my daughter around in a Burley Cub trailer and lately trailing a tag-a-long. I suggest you put slick tires on it, they can be found as narrow as an inch wide. Replace the flat bars with bullhorns if you want to but that might require some component changes for the shifters or brake levers.

one of the guys I ride with made a MB-0 into a cross bike so it should be able to turned into something like that with slicks

I have an MB4, pretty similar. I think it would actually work OK as a road bike with flat or extension or aero bars. Not drop bars. The frame is pretty light and the tires MIGHT be able go down to like 42's or something. The gearing would be a bit low for mileage, but you could do it.

Well I've got slicks on it now, like 1.5 inch I think, and bull horns. But I really wanted to go with some drop bars, why do you say no to those?