Looks like it would double as a ghetto beater. Keeps the shady characters away.

I've been thinking about starting a track build with an aluminum frame that I would race on but I've also been wanting to ride with some friends on some hardcore MTB trails. If I did a build, I would expect to invest $1500+ and a good 29er single speed could be had in the sub-$300 area. Even though winter is pretty much through, I was wanting to build an all-weather beater cyclocross style bike. If I decide to do that, I might as well buy something that can handle all terrains and trails.

I know the bike I have is perfectly adequate for my track, so it isn't necessary to build one yet. I just want to geek out on a "nice" bike.

So should I specialize and throw more money into track bikes, or broaden my horizons and get into MTBs? I used to jump dirt on BMX, so I have a rough understanding of what to expect, but have never ridden a true MTB on a trail.