Don’t get it right, get it running

Bought this 2010-ish era GT Vantara hybrid with the intention of stealing the 700c rims for something else. Exactly how it was shown in the last pic.

The plan was to build a 1×10 11-40ish gear bike for my 90% asphalt bike path commute.

Come to find out the XL frame is not actually too large for me (at a colossal 5'9"), so I stick with it.

Found some studded winter tires on marketplace, which decided for me that I'll be attempting to commute into the snowy months.

I would like to repaint the frame this spring, as I hate this colorway. Probably the only thing about this bike that I don't adore.