Nothing to do with buggery
The rear shock has given up on my Scott Strike. It is a year 2000 model. I am not near the bike so can't measure the shock length but I am sure you clever lot can work it out.
What shock would you recommend for less than 250?
Anyone?
Your old post says the shock is a 165mmx38mm
http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/which-rear-shock-for-a-year-2000-scott-strike
If I were you I would find a second hand Fox vanilla coil shock and buy a beefy spring for it to suit teh rider weight ;). Less to go wrong then.
This may fit you would have to find the out what the stroke is though:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/fox-float-r-165mm-eye-eye-just-serviced-/180797171581?pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item2a1859e77d#ht_500wt_1287