Need opinion 1st bike, Giant Stance 29 2 for $799

Hi All,

This will be my first bike in adulthood. I found the Giant Stance 29 2 in XL on clearance for $799. First thing I would like to know: is this truly as great of a deal as it seems?

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/stance-29-2-2022

I’m stuck between this and the Trek Marlin 5, which is also $799. I understand the differences between full suspension and hard tail.

This may seem silly, but one of the concerns I have with the Stance is, I am unable to add a rack to the back, and I would like to use that rack to be able to keep a photography bag on. I can add a rack to the Marlin 5. Just wanted to get your opinion..

Main use case for me is cardio throughout my neighborhood on pavement once a week, and hit a trail 1-2x a month. I understand the full suspension is not ideal for pavement but I’m doing it more so for cardio…so efficient pedaling is not as much of an issue for me.

Thank You.