worth it to convert an old (cheap) mountain bike??

[cyclingmama]

Hi all. I have a 1998 Trek 800 Mountain Sport. Although I consider it a hybrid (I doubt anyone would really mtb with it) its classified as a mtn bike. It probably cost $200-$250 in 1998. I know its not much of a bike, but it was my first bike since childhood and the bike that made me fall in love with cycling, so there is a sentimental attachment.

My commute (which I have not yet tried for various reasons) is about 8 miles each way, including a long high bridge (nasty cross-winds) and a couple decent hills. I have been planning/hoping to commute on my road bike but the logistics are challenging (the bike doesn't take panniers or a rack and I don't like biking with a backpack). So I have been thinking about making my old Trek into a commuter. I'd have to replace the tires with street tires at a minumum, and replace the saddle because I never upgraded it. I'd like those multi-purpose pedals with the platform on one side and spd clips on the other. I have a rack on it already and would need a good pannier large enough for a change of clothes and shoes, a towel, and toiletries. Probably about a $200+ project, for a bike that only cost that much 10 years ago. And it would still be a big heavy frame and entry-level basic components.

Do you think its worth it, or should I stick with the road bike (I can do it, I just need to plan in advance and pack a bag the day before to leave at work) until I can invest in another bike to use as a commuter? I can really only commute once a week on average, as I have young kids to take to daycare, and can only count on DH to do both drop-off and pick-up with them once a week. Howver, in another 2 years I'll be putting them both on the school bus in the morning and commuting on a more regular basis, so I do want to consider the long-term as well.

Also, if I do it, what other changes would you suggest besides the tires and the pedals? I think I might like drop bars but I don't know how do-able or expensive that would be, and if it would look ridiculous on that frame.

I'd welcome any thoughts/suggestions/advice y'all have. Thanks!

[SouthernBelle]

I'd take the cost of the panniers out of your consideration since that would be a purchase no matter what you do.

That leaves, tires, saddle, and pedals. Realistically if you buy another bike, you are probably looking at buying saddle and pedals anyway. Most bikes don't come with pedals anymore and most of us swap out the saddle before all is said and done.

That leaves tires.

Honestly I try this bike out if you love riding it anyway. All the purchases you are talking about are ones you would probably end up making even with a new bike. Then if you decide to go with another bike, the accessories are already there.

[chutch]

Go with your existing mtb to get started and the $$$ saved on gas could go towards a new commuter bike as a reward for sticking with it

[bike4ever]

I'm for converting the mtbike. Commuting takes a toll on bikes - weather, road grime. Wear out the old bike before jumping into a new commute bike.

[7rider]

In addition to the tires and saddle, I'd perhaps add some bar ends if you don't already have them on the bike, so you can have a variety of hand positions. Eight miles on a mtb can be pretty hard on your wrists.
Ride this bike into the ground, and when your kids move on to the bus, reward yourself with something new. You'll have a better idea then, also, of what works for you and what doesn't at that point...which will help make you a better shopper for a new ride.

[Melalvai]

+1 for converting.
I converted.
Does that make us all Born-again Bicyclists?