mountain bicycles

The easiest alteration to make to the spec. is to change the tyres for either slick, or semi slick road tyres with a smaller section than the off road knobblies that are normally factory fitted. This will make the bike roll more easily, and give better grip on tarmac or other hard, smooth surfaces.

Fitting mudgaurds, a rear pannier rack with suitable panniers and suitable lighting, probably dynamo or rechargeable battery-based, will complete the task for commuting. For touring, you might wish to look at additional carrying capacity in the form of a front pannier rack, and extra bottle cages. You are less likely to need or want lighting, but you might wish to consider a complete change in handlebar arrangement, with a 'riser' stem, allowing STI or Ergopower shifting and braking mounted on drop bars, in order to give a wider choice of riding positions.