Mountain Biking - Thoughts on the Trek Alpha Aluminum 6500...

I currently have a Trek Alpha Aluminum 6500 and so far, it's been a great bike! But I'm wondering how far I can actually go with it. Mountain biking is definitely something I'm getting into and I've been riding my bike stock for a while now. I'm planning to upgrade the drivetrain, brakes, and suspension fork before the summer ends but I guess I feel that my bike is limited because it's a hardtail.

What are your guys' take on this? I'm not big on huge jumps and whatnot, but I'm rather someone that likes to tackle on trails with the occassional jumps here and there. Is what I have good enough for all that? Thanks for the input in advance!

BTW, here's a picture of the whip! http://photos-073.facebook.com/ip006/v36/18/101/10725995/n10725995_31318073_2273.jpg

What do you want? reassurance your bike frame won't snap off a 3 foot jump? Many of us have aluminum framed hardtails. We can't begin to tell you what will or will not happen on your bike.

I have a 6500 that I got back in 1999 (looks an awful lot like yours) and still enjoy riding today. I only ride light XC, no jumping or anything, but I've gotten tons of use from it and it still rides solid today. Why not just ride it as is, and save your money a while? If you find that you still like the bike, replace parts when they start wearing out. If you discover you want something different, you haven't thrown money away into a bike you no longer enjoy riding.

Is Alpha Al like 6000 series or something?

I've got a 6500zx sitting in my basement right now. The bike is probably a year or two older than yours but in great shape, as I didn't do any real offroad riding when I had it. I actually promised to give it to a friend, though he hasn't come to pick it up yet.

Anyhoo... What level of components are you looking to upgrade to? If you're planning on mid-high end Shimano stuff, disc brakes, and a mid-range or better fork, then you'd save money by just buying a nice new hardtail instead.

If you like the bike, and like the way it feels - upgrade it! It's got a lifetime warranty on the frame, so you're set there...

The bike has a fine set of midrange components that are good enough for anyone. If you meet any terrain that you cant tackle, a better rear mech wont be any help.
There may be some big jumps and high speed descents that require full sus but you can pick your way down the steepest of slopes if you wor on your technique.
I have made steep offroad descents on a road bike.

It's got a lifetime warranty on the frame, so you're set there...

Actually, Trek pretty clearly told me that I would get no warranty service on my bent 4500, so unless the warranty is different on the 6500...