re: Mountain bike question

I would opt for a new bike. The technology and comfort of modern mountain bikes has greatly changed in the past 26 years. Additionally, part standards have changed as well which will make finding replacement parts difficult depending on what you need.

What type of riding are you planning on doing? Also, what area?

Now if you want to just ride on a flat dirt path once in a while or the bike just needs a good cleaning and new chain, then keep the old one.