My time with a 29er was short and inauspicious - 40 miles of city roads, max - because it wasn't a good 29er (Marin Point Reyes, £1,000 of bike but not a good fork) but such as it was, I would tend to disagree with PaulF.
I was comparing this bike up against my previous Point Reyes, a 26" and it was noticeably less positive and firm, which will translate into greater flex and strain on components. Given your size, if you can find a frame to fit I'd stick with 26" - £ for £ you will likely get better value.
If it helps, I have a 26" front fork (100mm travel) that takes disc or v brakes available for free.