Picked up a 2007 Gary Fisher Tarpon aluminum hardtail frame for $20 today. The deal is I am not sure which direction to go with it full rigid, front suspension, some crazy gravel grinder or cyclocross? Is this frame worth dropping cash on some better components or just turn it into a beater?

I would appreciate suggestions and ideas on setup, components, front fork choice, basically everything as this is my first non department store bike buildup.