I’ve been riding mtb since 1987 and my personal opinion is the upper mid level to higher end bikes have improved SOOOO much, in performance, ride quality ( who remembers the late 80’s big tube Cannondales with no suspension and how harsh they were?)
I think trying to make things lightweight comes with a durability challenge in the long term.
I still prefer the old bikes, im still rocking a 1999 Specialized S-Works M4 full suspension bike that works well,but, had a chance a few summers ago to ride a new Specialized, Niner and a Yeti……..and WOW! what a total difference in the entire experience cutting up the single track.
I find a good quality hydraulic disc brake to be an amazing braking system, not only the ease of pressure, especially on long rough down hills, but they also save scratching the rims up if in mud like the is rim brake pads did. Don’t get me wrong, I still love a good quality rim brake, but quality hydraulic discs are so smooth and strong.
it seems nowadays that the $1000+ range is considered lower end compared to a real high quality $3500+ bike that will have better quality components . I may be wrong on this, as I am fairly out of touch with the newer higher end bikes of today.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.