Originally Posted by Jonny B
As for brakes, I want a disk on the front and a V out back. I like Avid for some reason, their Mechanical disk in particular. But is it worth more money and potentially more hassle to go for juice? How easy is it to shorten lines, bleed systems etc (I like to do all my own wrenching)? As I say I'm not going to go crazy on this bike, power-wise I think hydros are more than enough. And again, what abut mounts? For the rear I was thinking Avid Single Digit 5s (and Speed Dial 5 levers, are these ok for disks?).
I appreciate any advice anyone can give me
Don't have any experience of any Fox Forks, or rear suspension, but there are plenty of reviews on both these manufacturers in the magazines,probably to be found on actual bike reviews, so you should be able to glean information from these. Why Don't you want Disks front and rear? You talk of wanting to get Muddy, and I can assure you that Rim Brakes are not good for the wallet at your weight, especially on the back. Discs will be more effective, stay out of the crud better, and it is cheaper to replace a worn out disc, than a rim. If your budget can run to it, then definitely go hydraulic. No cable brake is as effective as a hydraulic.I have just recently set up Hope discs on a Tandem, and on this manufacturer, Hose shortening/ replacement could not be easier.
On the Fork Front, Fox are Good, so are Marzocchi, so are Rockshox, so are Manitou+ several others, but there are manufacturers and models within the good manufacturers, that could not be recommended. Depends on your wallet, but at your weight, opt for coil in stead of air.
You probably do not want any more than 100mm travel, but do look for availability of Stronger springs, once again for your weight. A standard fork will probably arrive with a soft to medium spring, and you will definitely need a firm to hard spring.
Keep coming back to your weight again, but you will need a certain strength within your wheels. Mainly on the rim, (Don't go for lightweight XC rims), but 36 spoke will add a bit more strength, with only a small weight penalty, and it will be worth getting a wheel builder to check your wheels over, tension spokes, and check true before many miles are put on the bike. I would also stay clear of black spokes, as these have a habit of being of inferior quality, but disguised.
Best thing you can do is to set up a budget, Go to a Good Mountain bike retailer, and discuss what is necessary. You may be overspeccing on your first ATB, or they may suggest something that you have not thought of.