Hamfoh, you and I are sorta in the same boat. I am 6' and can fluctuate in weight based on what events I am doing from anywhere down around 170 in "perfect shape" all the way up to "post-race" where I hover around 188, but I rode all the way up to 285 in weight. Aluminum just beats the crap out of us.

American made steel options that is good and inexpensive - Milwaukee bikes Cream City.