I was just thinking the same thing. I have a new hybrid I'm using now and I've seen what a bike will look like after one winter and I don't fell like ruining the new one.
But I have my old MTB beater in the garage that I think I'm going to tune up and get it ready and try it out slowly as the weather progresses. That way I'm not out any money (except maybe for some fenders) and then if all goes well next year decide on what to do.