Sourcing and building a used frame from eBay might be the way to go if you want a 26er. For several years the bike I ran in winter was an early 2000s Gary Fisher frame. Then a couple seasons ago I bought a belt-driven, IGH bike and haven't looked back.

Don't be overly frugal. If buying a bike gets you outside and active, then it's no worse than someone buying a set of downhill skis.