1. Yes, buy a new bike
2. Convert
3. "Dude, not another one of these type threads..."
4. Screw it- you should get a pogo stick!
I like wide tires. I'm currently running the OEM Tioga City Slickers that came stock that are 26"x1.5. Thinking about switching to something even bigger like the Big Apples. Speed is not my top priority- durability and the ability to roll over anything that I may not see until it's too late is. My current commute is kinda short, but it includes a pretty steep descent for around these parts with a light towards the bottom; my current v-brakes are fine for now, but the constant 'feathering' of my brakes will start wearing down both the pads and rims quicker than I'd like.
If I convert my current bike, I know I'll need a new fork, disc specific wheel built, and probably new brake lever/cable to go along with the disc brake itself. I realize I'd save quite a bit by sourcing online for the parts and doing the work myself, but my mechanical aptitude isn't the greatest and neither is my tool box. So the LBS would have to do it, and though I haven't priced it yet, something tells me I'd be at least halfway to the purchase price of a new bike.
Looked at the various manufacturer sites of the brands that I know are available to me, and the
Rockhopper Disc is the leading contender at this point. Not keen on the suspension fork, but the alu frame and knobby tires would make it a bit better suited for snow out of the box...
The budget is going to be @$500-550 depending on tax, but not $550 plus tax. Feel free to chime in with other alternative options/models- just keep the budget as stated in mind and take the brief time to plug zip code '74066' into the dealer locator first. If it's more than 50 miles from that zip code, I won't be looking at it in real life (I'm always down [or is it up?] for bike porn).
BTW, this is my first ever attempt at creating a poll, so unsure if I did it right until after I submit it...
EDIT: Forgot to mention that since I'm a bus/bike commuter, the wheelbase can't be more than 44" if you're looking to make recommendations.