I don't think your budget is high enough for the bike you want. It might have been 2-3 years ago but all the formerly decent bikes at $1000 from 2-3 years ago have added a dropper post and a tariff. Look for old stock, or shop used. You can get an excellent full suspension MTB or really excellent hard tail for $1000.
The next couple levels of Fantom are better than the one you linked. But they're all a bit olde fashioned. Most bikes now are more raked out with a shorter stem and wider handlebars.
I bought a Timberjack NX last year when it was 1x11 and had no dropper. It was MSRP $1100, sub $1000 considering the 10% back from REI, $100 credit card application bonus and 5% back on the card. But this year all the models have grown droppers. The SLX version is the closest to what I bought and its price is a bit higher.
For those who really are unusually tall, there are custom frame makers. Ventana and Sycip come to mind.
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Genesis 49:16-17
Last edited by Darth Lefty; 02-21-19 at 10:26 AM.