Willard, jsut to echo what many of the folk are saying here, strongly consider a 29er. I ended up with one recently, and it is bloody superb.
I was looking to build a hardtail, and to get anything to fit I was so put off by the 'gate' aesthetics of big 26ers, so the reason for switching was a bit fey. However…
On Sunday went on a ride with my usual riding buddy (another 6'4" behemoth) who rides a stumpy FSR 26er, and a new guy on a 29er also like me. We totally converted my mate, it just seems to be a whole lot better on 29ers. I am clearing stuff that I had no chance of doing so before (esp rooty stuff), and the wholoe thing just feels right.
go 29! Naybe chat to charlie the bike monger? he gives good advice.
Kev