Getting back into it and can't decide on Polygon Collosus T8 Alloy or Trek Fuel EX 8 Gen 7 Alloy. TLDR give me your recommendation on an All Mountain bike that is $4000 or less and why you would choose it over the 2 aforementioned bikes.
I'm looking to get back into trail riding after not doing it for around 8 years as a way to get back in shape and lose some weight. Currently sitting about 255lbs and will likely be a bit lighter by the time I actually get the bike. I'm by no means an elegant rider and was often standing heavy on the pedals. Part of the reason why I stopped riding is my 2018 Diamondback Atroz 1 was not built well with a straight steer tube(Fork compatibility nightmare) and rounded out crank arms from a square peg bottom bracket. I also did not have the money to completely rebuild the bike and now that I'm looking to get back into it I want something with more capability. If anyone has rebuilt one of these bikes and has a parts list or knows of any issues I would love to hear about it because I will probably rebuild it to keep as a spare bike.
Currently, I live in the Kansas City area which appears to have quite a few trails of varying difficulty. I would also like to make trips to Howler Bike Park in Branson as well as Oz Trails Bike Park in Bentonville after I have gotten some miles under my belt. Also like the idea of other trips to Colorado, Utah, etc.
I'm torn between these 2 bikes for the most part for a couple reasons that I will outline below. I have kicked around the idea of the Fuel EX 9 or Fuel MX 9(I like the idea of the 150/160 travel but carrying 2 different tubes would suck but I would get over it). Ideally I want to stay below $4000, but if the upgrades you get in the $5000 category are worth it such as Fox Factory and Eagle 90 to name the common ones I see then I'm not opposed to jumping up.
I have primarily been looking at alloy frames, Sram drivetrains and Fox suspension. I'm not opposed to Shimano drivetrains and Rock Shox suspension but Carbon Frames are a hard sell because of their cost and lack of durability (based on what I was reading 8 years ago which may not be the case now). My main thought process is buy once cry once that way I have a bike that will last for the better part of a decade if all goes well
Trek Fuel EX 8 Gen 7:
2 local trek stores for parts, service and in depth maintenance (Large reason to go with trek over others)
Reviews all seem positive
Big Brand support
Polygon Collosus T8
The price of $3000 from BikesOnline right now is hard to disregard
Fox 36 Performance which seems to be an upgrade over the Fox 36 Rhythm. Any input or info on this distinction would be appreciated.
Other bikes I had on my list are Ibis Ripmo AF, and Orbea Occam LT. Mostly ruled them out because there wasn't a store near me that carried them.