I just joined a hiking/biking club where much of the riding will be on trails. Not all of the trails will be hard packed easy paths so some rough spots, mud, etc. is normal; but I don't anticipate doing any technical riding. Although I have a 28 year old Nishiki Bravo (26" x 2" tires and no suspension) I now have an excuse to buy a modern mountain bike. When I was young, albeit many years ago, there were simply "mountain bikes". Very few had front suspension and all were 26" tires. Now as I shop around, there are cross country mountain bikes, trail mountain bikes, sport mountain bikes, recreational mountain bikes, enduro mountain bikes, all mountain mountain bikes, downhill mountain bikes, etc. Okay, the downhill and all mountain mountain bikes are obviously named but the descriptions on most of the others say things like, "great all around bike", "a do everything bike", "great for beginners, intermediates and experienced riders". Also confusing are the 27.5, 27.5+ and 29 inch tires. The size difference is obvious but I'm sure there are benefits and detriments regarding the various sizes?

What are the real differences??? I'm an experienced rider of road, ss/fixed, hybrid and touring bikes. I haven't ridden the Nishiki for many years. I'm not going to do rides that involve log or hill jumps, or other "stunts", but I do expect single track, gravel, rocks (not boulders), mud and uneven terrain along with some nice trails. I'll most likely be looking at a hard tail in the +/-$1,000 range.

Please don't respond with..."You should buy this particular brand and model bike". I'd really like to understand the differences in the styles.

I just want to invest in the right type of bike.

Thank you.