is it going to be big enough (6' tall 12 stone ) ...and want something suitable with a tilt to racing.
I'm about the same size and weight as you and I have had my 2006 Pk Ripper (not team) for a few years. Its only got a 20.5 top tube and is long enough for me (and I have quite gangly long legs!!
). It has stood up to all the abuse I give it by jumping badly and generally learning from scratch at the age of 38. 09 Rippers are coming down in price and for £400 you can get a 2010 with shiney blue bits all over it!! or you might want to wait for the 2011 which is white and chrome (damn fine) and is about £470 at the mo.
I think my 06 Ripper is a really good bike and that SE Bikes make some great bikes at a decent price...despite the absolute hatred that modern SE Bikes receive from a few people who go on about China making them and rubbish components...blah blah.
(each to their own I suppose).
There was/is a 07 Ripper on flea bay for £130 which is a hell of a lot of bike for that money and cheap enough for you to sell on if you feel its too small and you want to try a cruiser (blag a ride of one when you go down to the track...most people are happy to let you have a go as long as you have something decentish for them to hang on to as you bomb around on their pride and joy