I’ve been commuting on my hardtail for about a year now, and after having a ride on a friends hybrid commuter I couldn’t believe how easier the road riding is so I’ve decided to convert mine.

I have one of these lying around
http://www.thebikelist.co.uk/mtrax/ht-1-0-2010
which will be converted.

Its not in the best of shape but not too bad.

It needs a new chain so if anyone can advise me to which chain I need that would be great.

Im also after some semi slick tyres to reduce the friction, how small can I go? I was thinking 1.75??
I was thinking these http://www.wiggle.co.uk/schwalbe-marathon-original-greenguard-rigid-mtb-city-tyre/

Id like to keep the costs down and keep to a tight budget.

Any other points or advice welcome.

Try lose weight, sh carbon rigid forks, bars, stem, seatpost. If the frame is heavy then not much else you can do. I use marathon plus tyres, bombproof.

Depends how much you want to keep the cost down, but it might be worth buying a second hand hybrid with rigid forks and 700c wheels.

Any cheap 9 speed chain would do it, but then depending on how worn out the cassette and chain rings are you may need to replace those which would be more cost.

I just did exactly what your describing. I don’t have a long commute, takes me 15 minutes and I’m using the hard tail that I have fitted with a mudhugger and crud guard on the front for use in the winter. Just fitted the tyres you linked to. I couldn’t believe how much better they rolled than the off road tyres that were on the bike. Think I spend most of my time in 23-27th gear. I bought the 1.75 tyres and they are fine, running them at 60psi and they still provide excellent cushioning. I was really surprised by that. I would be interested to try a narrower pair but think these ones will last me a long time.