Back to the saddle after many years – advise

Dear r/Canyonbikes community,

I’d like to ask for some support / suggestions from you all.
After many years I’ve decided to get back into the saddle and buy my new hardtail bike. In the past weeks I’ve checked several different brands and types and somehow ended up around Canyon bikes.

Currently I am owning an old Specialized Rockhopper 26’ with Shimano XT drive components, a RS Reba and some old avid BB5’s.. since that I’ve not followed the trends too much.. 😀 and I’d like to give the Specalized after a full service to my loved other half.

The geo and the size is not the taste of my body anymore (I’m owner 35 lol) and looking for something which can bring me back to the road.

Currently I am looking at the Grand Canyon series. Budget is about 1000EUR.

I’ve checked some previous answers as well in the thread but I would like to ask for some clarifications:

• If I’m right I should look for the “AL” version’s of the GC’s because of the more modern tapered head and the through axles?

• In this case the currently on sale GC6 is bang for the buck, but the upgrades later on the road the Suntour forks are too big drawbacks for 835EUR, although it equipped partially with an xt M8100 system:

https://www.canyon.com/en-hu/mountain-bikes/trail-bikes/grand-canyon/grand-canyon/grand-canyon-6/3269.html?dwvar_3269_pv_rahmenfarbe=GY

On the other hand the new GC AL6 for 1049EUR would be a much more “efficient” choice for future upgrades:

https://www.canyon.com/en-hu/mountain-bikes/trail-bikes/grand-canyon/grand-canyon/grand-canyon-al-6/4159.html?dwvar_4159_pv_rahmenfarbe=M196_P10

Am I right? Or I’m missing a point here? Or should I save up for the GC AL7?

Or check a Stoic?

I’m confused :S

Oh I’m mainly aiming for light to medium trails/city/tarmac use.

I’m open to any recommendations!

Thanks a lot!