Need directions

[romoshka]

Swing bikes are a gas and I guess it was sort of a natural progression to began to wonder about a Uni. As a hobby fabricator I was looking to make a Uni (yes I have a complete machine as my hobby/man cave and while I don't work in the industry I am a school trained machinist and an average welder) but then after reading a bit it became apparent that I would be better off buying something to learn on and then perhaps consider a build. Now I am overwhelmed at the brands and options. What wheel size (if, as I assume that the numbers assigned to the bikes are wheel size) is better? Do bigger wheels roll easier like the newer large wheel mtn bikes? Are 36 spokes enough or do I need 48? Brand - advantages of one over the other? I am 54 years old, 74" tall and weigh 200 lbs. Some idea of where to start looking would be greatly appreciated.

Steve