Hello,

This is my first post. I have a 1994 (where did the last 10 years go?) Kona Explosif. I want to turn it into a cyclocross bike - although the truth is i'm not planning to race - just to commute. I have a commute to die for; 11.5 miles each way (11 of which are fast off road). I've been using the Kona in standard mtb setup and it's about my only use of the bike these days. I would love to buy a cyclocross bike (ever since i got eaten up by one on the commute) - but can't really afford it right now.

I just bought thinner tyres and this made a big difference. I was wondering about converting to drop bars with brake shifters. Is this a realistic and worthwhile proposition with the bikes geometry, any experience with similar conversions would be appreciated (i saw at least one such conversion on this forum). You're also welcome to persuade me to splash the cash on a real bike.

I look forward to any suggestions - unless it's to go back to the commuting section where i probably belong...

And this is my second post.

After posting i was pointed to:

http://forums.roadbikereview.com/showthread.php?t=12473

http://forums.roadbikereview.com/showthread.php?t=15184

http://forums.roadbikereview.com/showthread.php?t=17440

http://www.cyclingnews.com/tech/2002/features/frankenbike.shtml

which is very helpful for anyone else pondering the above.