I would say a 17” is the equivalent of a modern day medium sizing I am 5ft 8 and I usually ride a 16.5 not sure on mudguards all depending on what type your using hopes this helps cheers Kerry
Not seen the the series one decals in the flesh so difficult to say from the eBay pics the series 11 on the fork is for the series two Rockshox I believe
I have purchased the series two versions for my peak and they near enough identical I have ones produced by gil too and I would personally say these are great quality