I'm an avid cyclist, riding is my primary mode of transportation, by choice. I want to get into mountain biking, I'm pretty sure I don't want to go with a bike that has full suspension, the most I would get is front shocks. Now my problem, I'm 6'5" and weigh 240 pounds (last time I checked but I'm probably lighter now). I also happen to love working on bikes. And I also don't have too much money, I don't have a fixed limit but I don't want to beak the bank either.
I'm hoping to hunt for a used mtb frame in good condition and build it up into a great bike. I've done a lot of work on my bike and I take to working on my ride like a fish takes to water, so I actually want to build it my self, I'm also considering buying a frame that's the right size and then building that up. My worry being that it might be hard to find a used frame big enough for me.
Any guidance would be lovely

Hi David,

I recently built my own bike after vandals wrecked my old frame in a vain attempt at stealing it and I can warmly recommend it. Euforia when finished and out for the first ride! Sadly mine got stolen about three weeks later and I resigned to getting one off ebay instead.

There are probably a few things you'd want a LBS to do, but normally this is cheap so shouldn't worry too much (for instance: cutting the steerer, possibly installing the headset, facing the BB if needed). Apart from that it was fairly straight forward. I had a lot of help from https://www.parktool.com/ where pretty much any mechanical query can be resolved.

As for the frame, I'd recommend you to visit bikeshops and to try out frames(bikes) in the region 19"-22" and see what you feel comfortable with. Height, although an important factor, is not everything and personal preference makes a big difference too. As would your riding style and intended use. Also remember that Frame geometry varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, so two 20" frames could feel a bit different built up. There are also instances where they measure differently so that's another one to look out for (normally: Frame size=CenterBB ->Top of seat tube, but can be 'Center BB to Center of Top tube - I could be wrong here but as far as I remember, this was an issue my my research threw up, although it seems like most measure Center to Top).

Another interesting thing that I found was that (at least in the UK, where I'm based) ebay often didn't provide any bargains at all. I spent weeks (it was a long term project) watching bits and pieces that I wanted and pretty much every time they sold for a few £ less than I could get from my usual supplier (https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/), and then when you had to factor in postage as well it was clear that it wasn't worth it (crc is free). I still bought a couple of things on ebay which were good deals, but it'd be good to keep in mind that people often don't have the 'best price' in mind but the price at LBS which might be substantially higher.

Good luck with your build!

I was wondering if anyone could share what has worked for them regarding different frames and manufacturers.

And it's nice to see that you like reading! Most young people don't read much these days at all... Apart from comics and txt messages! Lol -Unless you meant Reading as in the city Reading ;-)

With regard to hardtails, most XC frames will handle about the same. Most large manufacturers will have a frame with 71/73 head/seat tube angles based around an 80mm travel suspension fork. Trek, Specialized and Giant frames should be easy to find, as they are the three big guns of the industry. Trek 8000/8500 and the Specialized Stumpjumper series will give you a very nice-handling bike. I like aluminum bikes because of the stiffness and lighter weight, but to each their own. I would recommend test-riding everything your LBS has to offer, and make a "short list" of what's good and bad. It may help you decide on what to get. Finally, keep an eye on your local classified ad pages or Craig's List. Look for frames for sale, or older bikes with good frames available for cheap.