Deffo keeping the paint, but thinking about single speed with compact drops and massive slick rubbers. On the other hand I kind of wanna keep some ugly components so it won't be appealing to thieves...
Compact drops will require a new stem I imagine. If not for the clamp then to maintain enough reach.
An alternative (and still a comfortable handlebar over distance) would be a swept mtb bar like the On One Fleegle. They’re still decent off road and there’s a 25.4mm version.
Please keep the paint, stem etc. Daft but fun.
I’d probably do ghetto 1x and stick a rack on the front.