How much can you do to make a bike fit?

[rubysoho]

I have come to the conclusion that I cannot afford the kind of bike I want right now (carbon fiber cross bike with good components ... I just don't want to throw down 1300-2000 on a bike at the moment. Well, I do but I can't ). There is a 17 inch steel frame, used trek that is set up as someone's beater/cross bike. It is heavy. But it is $200. I would want to change the handlebars and the seat at a minimum. It is on the small side for me.

Can I make it fit? I know there is waaaay more information that is needed but the lbs guys, as much as they are sweet, won't be a great amount of help.

Purpose for cheapy bike: there are some nice gravel trails around here along with some light mountain bike type trails that I really want to hit and explore. Plus I want a bike that I don't mind commuting on in not so perfect, or even terrible, conditions.

[Jiten]

How small is it for you? You could try installing a longer stem to accommodate your reach better.

[blue_angel]

You can change seat, seat post, stem, handlebars, and cranks. But the bike will always be too small for you. If you're just going to buy an older steel frame off CL or something, why not hold out and wait for one that fits you better (and maybe isn't so heavy)?

[OakLeaf]

How tall is the steerer tube? How comfortable are you in aero position? How much too small are we talking about? Do you have toe overlap that you might not on a larger frame, and is that a problem for you? When you test rode it, what felt too small?