Regarding 200mm fox rc.........

[pedro]

The 2" of stroke should yield 5.25 - 5.33 " rear wheel travel.
or would a 8.5" vanilla R with 2.5" stroke (6+" travel)
be a better ride?

[GrimJack]

The 8.5 with a longer stroke will provide a better ride, just adjust it to run with more sag until it sits the same as the stock unit.

[dmc]

200mm RC don't all have the same stroke, mine give 6inchs of travel from 2.25 stroke. dmc

[Oz-SUB]

Pedro

Go check my suspension travel spreadsheet from the 'files'.  You will get approx. 6½" wheel travel from the 2.5" shock stroke.  Ratio is approx. 2.63.

Supergo is shipping via FedEx my Vanilla RC as I write this post.  I'll probably geta TI spring to go with it.  I was going to get a Risse Astro 5, but it has limited travel and a shorter i2i than the stock Noleen unit.

The absolute max shock would be a 8.75" i2i with 2.75" stroke, so the one from Supergo @ 8.5" i2i & 2.5" stroke is ideal.

I'll write a review when she's up and tested.

Oz-SUB

[numbnuts]

with the med frame you will have a problem with the RC I think. I have a Van R which is supposed to be 8" i -i according to the bloke I bought it from on ebay.
It might be 7.87,I just stuck it on without measuring, but anyway the bike is now slacker angle but with more travel [the stroke is 2.29]. It rides well but uphill is a bit harder. I also find that the 100mm fork is not enough. i need at least another inch to balance the extra rear travel on downhills. So i think 8.5 i-i will be nice if balanced up front.