Quote Originally Posted by Andrea View Post
I'd like to turn it in to something I could use for getting groceries, going to work, etc- Light carrying and round trips of 30 miles or less.
Congratulations! This is REAL biking. (just kidding--mostly.)
-Can I put some narrower tires on the 26" MTB wheels?
I recommend hybrids, instead of road tires. Riding through town on streets, sometimes you have to go through some rough stuff, or you have wet pavement or other unexpected situations, and hybrids work really well.
-I am not totally sold on staying with MTB bars because I find that they aren't that comfy on the wrists. Drop? Moustache? What do you think?
You can sure say that again. Torture devices, more like. I like the Trekking bars available from Nashbar, but I think albatross bars would be nice too.
-What's the best way to carry stuff like a change of clothes, a 2 liter of Diet Coke, or the like? I won't need a trailer or anything, but I don't want to run out of room, and I don't want to spend an arm & a leg (as much as I loooooove all the classy canvas/leather touring stuff).
If you can store it, a trailer is awfully handy, but it is not something I use daily. A rack is a must. Personally I'd like to have more versatility with my rack. I'd advise you start out with a grocery-bag style pannier, it will be roomy enough for everything, but eventually add on a trunk so you don't always have to take the pannier. A lot can be strapped directly on to the rack with enough bungees, too.

I'm not a big fan of handlebar bags/baskets, although I've seen some designs that might be good. The only time I need something like that is when I go on a long ride, because I don't have a proper jersey with pockets, and to eat I have to stop the bike.

Good luck, and keep us posted on how your bicycling for transportation is going!