Opinion needed for a guy on a strict budget.
 

I just turned 33 and haven't been on a bike since 98. I'm looking for opinion on 4 bikes that I have been looking at. I will be using the bike on pavement and on occasional bike trails with some friends that are enthusiasts. I'm 6'5" so I'm looking at 29ers.

The following are what's I've narrowed them down to:

Hyper Explorer 29 - $199 - FS, Front Disk - In store
Walmart Mobile

Genesis GS29 -$149 - HT, V brakes - In store
Walmart Mobile

Huffy Phalanx - $199 - HT, Front and Rear Disk - Online only
Walmart Mobile

Mongoose Stat - $209 - HT, Front and Rear Disk - Online only
http://mobile.walmart.com/ip/29-Mong...ilver/26999365

Thanks for the help.

OK. I ended up getting the stat used for 75 and replaced the freewheel adjusted everything and now it rides smooth. Any suggestions on a future fork as its a bit squishy.

I would suggest that you cheer your buddies on and wait until you can amass some more cash for a quality bike.

IMO, the only type of Xmart bike that would be worth the gamble would be some kinda single speed.

Something like the Mongoose Beast or the Mongoose Sinsure. Other than that, I'd be reluctant to recommend any multi-geared bike from an Xmart store.

+1 on this. Stay away from box-store bicycles. Go to your LBS (local bike shop) and get a few recommendations on decent bikes around your price range. In fact, just keep saving your money. ;)

But since you've already purchased the bike, you may look on eBay or CL for a Suntour takeoff from a 29er. A lot of times people replace those with better forks. While they are not the best forks, it will definitely be an upgrade to the one you have now.

suntour 29er fork | eBay