thanks for all the info fellas - not worried about what i put out - flippers gotta eat - and - truth is - i dont study the mtb market like i do the cv market - so there i know my prices pretty well

now - as for upgrades or replacing parts - well - one step at a time
i got some new territories to get familiar with

i know my old ten speeds pretty well from the mechanical end of what the components do and how to service or replace parts

the front and rear suspension areas obviously the most foreign outside of what is obvious at first glance / ride (namely the presence of forks, springs, etc.)

the crank and bb area are also foreign to me - haha - i'm used to pullers and cotter presses - the crank spindle is hollow! so see this is all new school to me -

if i went in too rich on it - i'm ok with that - i needed the space and had too many road bikes - and i like the flipper

i wanted to go older (like 90s) - and i loved the bike aesthetically

i had a chance to pick up a dual suspension gila for a straight up $100 / or 1-1 bike for bike trade - but i figured that i might find the quality and durability of the specialized and its components to be a much better first dual suspension entry for me - maybe a mistake with my limited mtb IQ but if what i'm left with is this fine bike and a little more space in the garage then...i'm ok w that

my main goal is to learn my way around this ride a bit so as to prepare for the maintenance aspect of ownership - i take pride in that i manage to keep out of the LBS for my maintenance of my road bikes

love to continue the discussion - thanks all for your interest and commentary