mountain bike choosing help?

Why do you have an urge to waste your hard earned cash? Walmart might sell a few items that are OK. But bicycles aren't one of them. Friends don't let friends ride junk. And discount store bikes are junk.

If you're not going off road a lot, you'd be better off with something like a good hybrid bike. Mountain bikes are really slow compared to other types of bikes on paved surfaces & streets. I own both a hybrid & a MTB from Diamondback. The hybrid I ride on streets & paved bike paths. The mountain bike is purely for off road riding. Check out these 2 links. You'll need the 22" Extra-Large frame size.

http://www.diamondback.com/bikes-road-performance-...

http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_5...

Discount store bikes come in one frame size fits none!

Take $200 to $250 & flush it down the toilet. Same effect. Wally World is NOT a bicycle shop. That fact gets stated on this website day after day after day.

A) And remember this one...they're JUNK!

B) At 6' 3" tall, the bike's frame size will be too small for you.

C) At 290 lbs. the weak wheels will crumble in 6 months to a year tops.

You want a REAL bicycle? Then go to a REAL bicycle shop. Better quality. Bikes in various FRAME sizes to fit riders from small to very tall. REAL customer service from professional salespeople & mechanics, not some clueless minimum wage "associate". And oh...BTW, a REAL warranty. Wally World does NOT service what they sell. Would you buy a cheap car from a discount store lot with NO service dept.???

Last point...3 out of every 4 discount store bikes FAIL a basic safety inspection. They can't even assemble one correctly. http://www.clickorlando.com/news/storeassembled-bi...

You want big tires because otherwise you will just keeping blowing them out.

You might even benefit from a tricycle but you are probably not interested in looking that geeky.

Schwinn bicycles are supposed to be particularly hefty and able to withstand weight without looking like a fat person's bike. Good luck. Invest in a good pump to take with you and check your tires . This is the problem when you are heavier. Your tires need to be wider.