Let's offroad / mountain bike / mtb / ride dirt

What's your budget benjam? There are probably some sweet sale deals on 2013 bikes atm

around the £800-1000 mark

Some people will say you don't 'need' a full sus as a beginner, but if that is what you want, make sure you get a decent one

I am aware of this, and receptive to it having given similar advice on road bikes (you'll get a better quality bike if you go alu over carbon at your budget) but i'm wondering about the comparative strength of a 29in wheel to a 26in vs. the scaling effect for a big guy (6'6'' 95kg).