“But I’ll just take it easy on the rough ones. I’m in my early 40’s and I’m not getting any younger. ”
Ha! Don’t kid yourself! I thought the same when I shifted from 30 to 40, then 40 to 50… and now I’m 58 and riding harder, longer, and way more technically and faster than ever. The bikes I ride (and need) today are far more capable than anything I ever needed when I was younger. I am by no means unusual. I see it all the time with others my age. In other words, when choosing a bike, give more weight to the trails you think you’ll frequent then what you think your capabilities are. Your capabilities will catch up to the trail despite your age, and you’ll need/want a bike to match.