After wanting a modern mountain bike for the past 5 years, I finally went and got one. It's a lot of fun.
This is replacing a ~2006 Schwinn Mesa that I never ride anymore, because the trails are too rough for it where I live.
The dropper post is compressed if you're wondering why it looks like the seat is too low 😊
How big is the difference for your personally, when comparing the 2 bikes?
The difference is enormous, but so is the price tag. The first few rides were pretty shaky on the new bike because it's so much different, but now that I'm starting to get used to it I'm able to climb hills and go through some slightly technical sections while feeling mostly in-control.
Quite a few times I've ridden over things that would have stopped my old bike in its tracks, and this new bike doesn't miss a beat.
As far as bikes like this go, this one is pretty mid. The components that it comes with are good and fine, but not the best. They get a lot more expensive than this, but like anything else there's a point of diminishing returns and I feel like I got my money's worth with this one.
It's definitely going to be night and day.