Hey MikRunner!

I'm 6'3" and weigh the same as you - but I'm down 30 lbs in the last 6 mos. Even with all that weight, I've been able to ride across Canada (7100 kms), though it took me 2 summers; and I'm 3/4 finished a tour from the Gulf of Mexico to the Arctic Ocean. So big guys can do it.

I ride a Cannondale T800 touring bike and really like it. 'Course, that means I'm also carrying another 65-70 lbs of gear. So that's 400 lbs to pedal up hills (now down 30!). I've had some problems with rear wheels holding up - I'd recommend getting a super strong wheel, say one made for a tandem bike. And touring bike tires are mid-way in size between a road bike and a mountain bike, usually 35-38 mm, and inflate to around 80 lbs.

I'd also suggest you know how to change spokes and have the tools to do it - you'll probably replace several each year. Sheldon Brown has some good info on spokes.

Good luck! I'd be glad to help out further if I can....

Murray