Originally Posted by 3speed

.....A totally decent newer and sturdy aluminum frame can be found for cheap and would likely save you some money for other components and get you riding a nicer, more trail worthy bike a lot quicker. If your bike does in fact have v-brakes, some aluminum frames will also have that option so you can continue to use your brakes until you can afford disk brakes(If you choose to go that route. It's not like you need to). Either way, be prepared to run a single chain-ring up front until you can buy a new front derailer. There's a good chance yours isn't going to fit your new frame, whatever you end up getting. Many people do like riding 1x9, etc, so it's nothing to worry much about.