“How about the back? Not sure how capable the stock RS Delux RT inline is. I know lots are going to coil but overkill for me.
Any benefit in up-speccing to the RS RT3 or Fox DPS Performance?”
I went for the base model on the ground that none of the forks bar the 36 (on the crazy expensive top model) were as sturdy as I wanted, and had my LBS swap the stock forks for Lyrik RC2s. But you’re a bit lighter than me so Revs will probably be fine.
I’ve been amazed at how good the rear suspension performance is. I think the high sprung weight of the frame helps, and my guess is that I’m about the same weight and radness that the large frame’s shock is tuned for. I’m coming from a Spitfire with a DBair which is some of the best rear suspension around on a trail bike. So the stock Deluxe RL works very well for me. I run a lot more sag than I expected to (about 37%), frequently use most of the travel but never feel it bottom out hard (I think the air spring must ramp up loads in the last few mm). It pumps well and jumps better than anything I’ve owned.
Also, when you have the power on, there is no suspension bob at all, because the motor is adding increased chain tension but your pedalling action isn’t increasing proportionally. With the power off it bobs more than the Spitfire but not enough for me to bother fiddling with the shock.