I did just that on my Novara. I essentially took a 26x1.9 hardtail MTB and made it into something more like a dual sport. I also changed the grips to ergonomic types (with a palm swell). The guys at my local bike shop keep trying to get me to buy a new bike. I've had this one for 17 years but only 10-12 in its current configuration.
Lousy photo but you'll get the idea.
