Want to build a great commuting machine

I'm jealous of the steel MTB conversions that people post about, and I want one for myself. :)

I want:
- a steel frame
- drop bars -- this is a big one for me
- a rear rack
- fenders
- a wide range of gear ratios -- I live in hilly Austin, TX
- looks crappy enough that I can feel comfortable locking it outside for a yoga class or a movie

but I still want it to be sprightly and fun to ride.

My commute is about 5 miles each way, but it's hilly and strenuous. Most mornings, I "take the long way" and turn it into a 10-15 mile road ride. I also like to ride my bike on weekend errands, but they're also relatively hard rides -- I rode 20 miles to the farmer's market last weekend!

I currently ride a 2011 Trek 7.3 FX, which I like just fine, but I feel it attracts a lot of attention when it's locked outside. It's very new and shiny. I'd also like to switch to drop bars. Roughing up and converting this bike is not an option -- I don't think my spouse would appreciate it!

How does my plan sound? Is there a shop in the Austin area where I might be able to buy what I have in mind, already built? Barring that, what kind of bike should I be looking for on Craigslist to build up myself? I see a lot of Specialized Rockhoppers and old Trek MTBs, but I don't know if they have rack bosses, etc.

I also don't know what size to look for. My FX is 17.5"/44.5 cm, and fits me well. With the conversion to drop bars and a more aggressive position, do I still want the same size?

Thanks much from this newbie. :)

Oh mannnn I saw the most glorious fully outfitted Salsa cassaroll the other day. It was a thing of beauty. Wanted for commuting badly!

Also have dreamed to build one up from Surly Cross Check frame too. :D

hee heeee
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r...r/IMG_0421.jpg

Also they currently come in such a great robin's egg blue now:

http://taylorsbikeshop.com/page.cfm?...ils&sku=FM7150

Hmmm, much depends on your budget. If you are looking for a used bike, see if you can find a reasonable steel bike that already had drop bars as the frame has specs more designed for that.

That being said, I did convert my mtb, so here are the key things required.

Drop bars
MTBs have a different bar diameter and use different stem angles and lengths. When I swapped mine, I also measured out what stem length I needed so the hoods would be about the same distance as my original flat bars from the seat. I also went with a stem angle that was the same as the original so I was not way too low when in the drops.

The stem I used is a standard quill type stem, but I had to find one that accepted a 26mm clamp as that was the type of drop bar I am using. I should note that 26mm or 25.4mm drop bars are getting harder to find. They also make conversion stems so you can use current stem and handlebar set ups.

Brakes
This is a biggy. Older MTBs will have cantilever brakes and the brake levers will not fit on a drop bar. I bought a pair of Tektro brake levers which are designed to work with direct pull cantilevers. I am not sure if there is a brake/shifter combo that will work.

Shifters
My mtb had separate, thumb shifters so I fabricated a custom mounting arrangement so I could keep using them. Most conversions swap the original mtb shifters for bar end shifters.

If you want drop bars for hand positions there is also some trekking bars that would give you that and allow you to keep your original shift and brake levers.

For me, I love tinkering, I have had the mtb since new and was the most cost effective and fun way for me to get a fun, comfortable, enjoyable riding commuter.

Have fun and good luck.