I've posted about this a time before. I really want another SS. I have an old Schwinn MTB frame in the basement I was gonna dedicate to the cause. It's been a pending winter project for some time now. I would really like the experience of building up a ride from beginning to end.

But as I preview the many options on Bike Direct, I see I can have anothe complete for less than $400.

So what would you do? Buy a complete from BD (or similar retailer) and save my frame for another project?

Or do the build and learn something?

Is a MTB something you can use? If you don't need a mtb, I'd say buy new.

That being said, if you could use a mtb, I say build up the frame, especially if you have any parts laying around.

I was planning on switching the bars for bullhorns. I am not a dropbar person. It would be for commuting.

In that case, because you'd be better on a road bike, I'd just buy something off BD.

Any particular reasons? Would geometry be too awkward using a SS/MTB on the road as a commuter?

well, mtb tires wouldnt be fun to constantly fight the street on, but if you're using slicks, nvm.

And the final product probably won't be very spectacular. write up a budget on all the stuff you'll think you need, and see if your 400 will cover it.

I'd look for something used in the price range it's not too hard to find something decent on c list for 400 usually

A SS mountain bike could be a really awesome rugged commuter for ****ty weather days and winter. I say do it.

If you are doing it for exclusively road use, you would probably want 700c road wheels and big road chainrings. Fitting those on an MTB frame might be problematic due to break position/wider chainstays/chainline. Just a thing to consider.
26" MTBs are great for polo bike builds however ^^