Originally Posted by
2old
IMO, the Trek Marlin series is the best "bang for your buck" hardtail, although there may be some (who sell other brands) that will nitpick the grips or some other minor component. That said, considering your past injuries, the Giant makes sense to me. It is a nicely priced, superb bike, and Giant (to me) is a premium brand. I'm speaking as the owner of a 2022 Stance after 17 years on a Santa Cruz Superlite.
Trek Marlin and Giant Anthem Advanced Pro 29 3 are in 2 different leagues both in components and price. You are trying to compare a premium full suspension bike to an entry level hard tail.
In any case...a friend of mine that races...The Giant Anthem has been the only bike he has used over the years. Whether it's right for you or not depends on the trails you like to ride and how you like to ride. Could be that the 110/100 suspension is OK where you ride.