just first wanna say hello to everyone..i have lurked on these boards long enough and finally decided i need to register ask for some help.

i am currently 6'4" 370 lbs. im still a little unclear what is bigger than clydesdale status..but im sure im it

i rode a little run off the mill wal-wart moutain bike when i was 17-19 yrs. old. just to get to and from work..but i put that thing through hell and it held up well for the couple years i had it...changes gears, rims (more spokes) seat, shifters, tires, hubs, forks, and crank w/pedals. basicly i built the thing on a crap frame. i loved that bike and it was my real first experience with riding at all...i was also about 200 lbs then.

i havent had another bike since and i am now hitting 30 this year. we and the wife had our first baby last year thing time..and along with my own health..she is one of the biggest motivating factors in my life to get healthy and live longer.

i went to the doctor finally after maybe 5 years for a check up after my knee popped really loud as i was getting off the floor and found out i had a torn meniscus and partially shredded MCL. yes it hurt...ALOT. i had surgery to repair the damage and now i can finally walk without a limp.

i played college football in my 20's and have been fairly active for the most part..but i really do miss riding. really i guess, im tired of being so big and not doing anything about it. so my doctor suggested riding and i jumped on it..im bound and determined now to lose this extra weight and add some years to my life so maybe one day i can give my little girl away at her wedding.

i have noticed most people on this forum ride road bikes..i have always been comfortable on a moutain bike. plus i'd rather ride off road than on it. im amazed by some of your stories of success with riding and weight loss and it to you guys i look for some advice..

i found a FAQ section..but it seemed to have mostly road bikes...so i guess my question is this: given my size, is there a bike that i built for me....yeah yeah i know this whole section is about bikes built for me..but i want a mountain bike with no shocks, hardtail, and that i can beat the crap out of and ride home no matter what..and i also dont really wanna spend my child college fund on it..

can any of you guys help me out?

also to all of you riding and gaining years on your life..kudos to you..its because of you that guys like me get inspired