I have a 15 year old 26" Rockhopper and a 10-15 year old 29" Rockhopper (with upgraded / refreshed drivetrain - anything that makes the bike move starting from the pedals).

I'm consider a new bike - similar style by either Trek or Specialized. There are sales right now (25% off). It sounds like there will be sales next spring as well but usually the selection is not as good as in Sept/Oct (what I hear). Components are low to lower mid tier. 3x8 cassettes.

There is a bike on sale ($1400 w/ Shimano Deore) that I'd probably pick as model and in the size/color I would select.

Question: how different are bikes today vs what I might be using now? Are they more capable? Are the components noticeably better? Will rides be more enjoyable? Or basically the same, just newer.

The interest in a new bike started with the rim width and tire sizes (wanting wider tires and more selection). But if I change my regular bike routes, then I won't need wider tires.

Riding now is more for health than for sport but I pull in about 8-10 miles per ride. So having some scenery and variety is nice on these rides.

But I can keep to routes that are more hard pack and stay w/ skinnier tires (2.1").

New bikes ($1400; not carbon frames $5000) are night and day different than what I have? Or mostly the same experience just new parts (like 1x12)?

are we talking suspension bikes? or rigid frames?

Sorry - hardtail mtn bikes. XC/Trail. Not enduro or DH.

I would say that front suspensions are way better. Disk brakes are seriously better. Drive trains are more refined for sure. But night and day. Nope. And much of the above you could get on a frame you have but the economics of this sport make that more expensive in the end than just grabbing a new bike.

There has been talk that many of the drivetrains have improved shifting ease from 15 years ago by one level. Frames and suspension have been broken down into more varied design niches and that my friend makes your job to choose wisely more difficult. This is a lot like your race gun isn't your optimal carry gun.

For example, if you opt for a carbon road bike most are made for racing and they beat you up a bit, also longer top tubes than years ago. This makes me less comfortable, so I found carbon which was more compliant and upright to suit my needs. Yes you said wider tires for an ATB but use same rules. Get shop advise on which models fit your stated preference and see if you wish to afford it for yourself. Also many price point bikes use ordinary wheels to save money because like you mentioned, you were looking at the group. If you're a strong rider better wheels and crank designs deliver with more efficiency and hold up better.

May even be that you need 2 bikes, set up differently. One grocery getter and one for shredding the tougher terrain. Keep an older one for the job it was hired to do.

Thanks guys. Okay, better but not night and day. I did look at component upgrades (ie - wider rims to support 2.4-2.6" tires) but that seemed to cost about $500. Plus tires. $600. New bike is $1400 so didn't seem like a good path.

If I get a new 29" bike, then I'll probably get rid of my current 29" and keep the 26" and put low profile knobs - paved trails and hardpack. Build more for smooth and speed.

The 29" will be more off-roady use, especially trails with sand patches / areas (river side / lake side, etc). Soft enough to be a bit squirrely but still firm enough to ride on (using 2.4"; I tried and can't with 2.1").

I think I'll hold off until my bike dies (needs some component replaced) or a better sale comes along - 40%; 25% is not bad but not enough if the difference isn't night and day.

Thanks!