I had a few questions looking for advice on mountain bikes.
First off, I don't plan on spending a lot of money. Some people have $2000 bikes, some have $2000 in wheels, I have $2000 in fly rods. That is what I do. To each his own and what not.

I am looking for a bike to ride on Forrest service roads that are closed to the jeep depending on the season. So for the most part the ride will not be anything too extreme. I will be packing in rods and gear to the streams down these roads.
This is where my concers start...

I am 6'2 200lbs and will be packing in 10-15lbs depending on if I have to wear waders.

What size frame and wheels would I need to carry this weight?

Since I am not looking to jump the streams in this bike do I need full suspension?

This bike will likely come from Craigslist because in metro Atlanta you can get anything on Craigslist. What makes and models should I look for and what makes and models should I stay away from? I am fine with a used bike looking to spend $200 or so.

Thanks in advance, I will be happy to help if you ever have fishing questions!


Are ther any other features you would suggest?

 

I'm not sure what size you will need, I'm 5'7" and have a 17" frame. So you're a bit bigger than me. You certainly don't need full suspension. If you are looking on craigslist, I'd say youre not going to find exactly the bike you want if you even knew exactly what you want. Rather, look on sites like mtbr and research what bikes you come across and see if they fit your needs. I personally like Trek and specialized. but I think it's more important that the frame fits you than what name is on the side. Trek frame fits me well.

 

I'd recommend you go to a bike shop and ride a few different sizes/brands so you know what feels "right". Different brands have different frame geometries so you might love one and hate another even if they're similar heights. $200 on Craigslist should be enough for an older trek or specialized, it's better to buy an old trek then a new Walmart bike. You can go to bikepedia.com if you find one you like and see all the components on it. Full suspension isn't necessary, and any good full suspension bike will be out of your desired price range. Have fun looking, I've picked up some awesome bikes for cheap on cl.

 

Ditto for craigslist and a used good bike instead of a newer crap bike, just wade patiently through the spammers and scammers.
Big box bikes will have bottom-end components from known brands, if they have name brand components at all. Additionally, the frames will be heavy as hell, yet weak with crappy welds.
Unless you have a really good reason for needing rear suspension, it adds weight and maintenance, along with lost pedal energy.

My old GT is still going strong after many, many years. It's a hardtail and you could easily pick a used one up for under $200.
Newer GTs are from the same company (Dorel) that makes the big box Schwinn, Pacific, Roadmaster, and Mongoose bikes. (along with Cannondale and Iron Horse)

Trek and Specialized will garner more bucks, just because of the name, even for the "Asian sourced" frame models.
Don't be afraid of Jamis, (older) Iron Horse, Gary Fisher used bikes.
KHS, Raleigh, Fuji, Giant, and Motobecane seem to make people happy shopping new "value" MTB bikes, but you'd be looking at $300+ for a new bike worth considering.

Pretty much everyone has shifted frame sourcing to Asia now, except top-level bikes, so getting a US-made frame in anything newer than 2005 will cost you BIG bucks.

Personally, if I was looking for a used MTB hardtail on craigslist right now, I'd be after an older Cannondale. (pre-Dorel)
I have two older Cannondale road bikes that I love and I had a Cannondale MTB in college that was my constant companion. (until it was stolen )

 

Check out Performance Bikes in Kennesaw GA. I got a "last year's model" GT Karokorum 4.0 that I'm very happy with at a good close out price. Sounds like you could get a 1.0 or a 2.0 from what you describe, or mabye a different style. At your size, you need a Large frame, maybe an XL. I'm 6'1" 185 and I got a large. You could aslo check out Dicks Sporting Goods in Canton, they have Outback models that should do what you need, I've got my son on an Outback Diamondback right now (wish I had bought the next level up though).

I also got 29" wheels, but it sounds like you can do 26" wheels if thats more economical. I don't recommend anything smaller.