The similiarities are uncanny, right?Some of this sounds similar to questions when people say which audio gear should i buy?
There does seem quite an overwhelming amount of choices in the audio and cycling worlds these days.
If it's a light terrain, I'd probably go after a light XC-oriented hardtail, if you wanna keep the maintenance as simple and cost-saving as possible.That would be my use, forrest routes primarily.
When I've been doing some counting for myself it turned out I'd have to spend at least 300$ just for the annual maintenance and warranty service of the suspension in a fully. Besides the fork and damper that need a regular check-up, there are still pivots, bearings and linkages in a full-sus, not to mention other parts that need some attention and love tooThat's still probably nowhere near in comparison to sums we spend on audio
But then again, I might be wrong on htis one.
There are few things as satisfying as being able to do some work with your own bike. And it helps saving some amount of money tooLuckily this I can do on my won and with some help from that biker friend of mine who knows his onions as far as bike conservation goes.
Anyways the final choice is - as always - up to you. A 2008 frame even with modern parts is still a 2008 frame. Just like with the audio, when you buy a new gear or used but like-new, you know exactly what to expect. A 14-year old frame for me is like a ticking bomb, cause you have no idea how soon its life span is gonna come to an end.
P.S. I still would love to see that bike tho