Thanks for explaining that - super helpful. For my needs a large frame with 27.5 wheels sounds the ticket but will keep researching and double guessing myself obviously.
I’m your size, have ridden a large Cotic (from 2011!) forever.
If it’s your first mtb don’t worry about wheel size. It honestly doesn’t make that much difference.
As I posted somewhere before- buy 2nd hand frame, wheels, finishing kit. And New/new in box fork, brakes, transmission.
Thanks for explaining that - super helpful. For my needs a large frame with 27.5 wheels sounds the ticket but will keep researching and double guessing myself obviously.