Mountain Biking - Similar Geometries, Different Components

So, I've been to 4 Local bike shops in the last couple days and have test-ridden around 6 HT XC bikes in the ~$800 range. The bike I liked best was the 05 Gaint Rainier. It's light, has decent components and just feels fun. In particular I like the frame geometry (XTC) better than any of the other bikes I test rode.

Now here's the issue: yesterday evening I take a look at the IBEX website and find that the Trophy-series frame geometry seems very close to the Rainier geometry.

Rainier- Trophy
Size: 19" - 20"
Head Angle: 71- 70
Seat Angle: 72- 73
Top Tube: 23.2"- 22"
Chainstay: 16.7"- 16.75"
WheelBase: 41.7"- 42"
Standover: 31.7"- 31"

The specs of each bike are:

_ 05 Giant Rainier_
frame
ALUXX SL butted aluminum
fork
Marzocchi EXR 100mm Travel
shifters
SRAM X.7 Trigger
front derailleur
Shimano Deore
rear derailleur
SRAM X.7 Short Cage
brakes
Hayes Sole XC 6" Rotor
brake levers
Hayes
cassette
SRAM PG950 11-34, 9-speedT
chain
Shimano HG53
cranks
TruVative forged 22/32/42T for Powerspline
bb
TruVative GigaPipe SL ISIS
rims
Sun Rhyno Lite 32H
hubs
Formula 32H Disc
spokes
Stainless steel 14G
tires
Hutchinson Bulldog AirLight 26 x 2.1"
handlebar
Easton EA50 31.8mm Low Rise
stem
Easton EA50 6 Degree Rise
headset
Integrated, 1 1/8"
seatpost
Easton EA50 30.9x350
saddle
WTB Speed V
pedals
Shimano PD-M505
extras
chainguard

_04 IBEX Trophy 880LX_
Frame:
6061 Double-Butted Aluminum w/ Oversize Tubing /Aerol Downtube / Replaceable Derailleur Hanger / Disc Ready / S-Bend Seat-Stay & Tapered Chainstay

Fork:
Marzocchi MX Comp ETA w/ 85mm Travel / Air Spring - Coil Negative / ETA Lockout / Ext. Preload & Int. Rebound Adjustment / Dual SSV Damping / Monolite Magnesium Lowers / 30mm Stanchions / Superlite Forged "M" Crown w/ Cryofit Design

Front Derailleur:
Shimano LX

Rear Derailleur:
Shimano XT

Shifters:
Shimano LX Rapidfire - 27-spd Indexed

Crankset:
TruVativ Stylo SL - 44/32/22T w/ Alloy Crank Arms & Chainrings

Bottom Bracket:
TruVativ Giga-Pipe SL - ISIS Splined - Cartridge Type

Cassette:
Shimano LX - 11-32T - 9-spd

Chain:
KMC Z9000 Super Narrow - Dark Silver

Brakes:
Avid Single Digit 5 V-Brakes

Brake Levers:
Avid Speed Dial 5

Cables:
Jagwire

Tires:
Kenda Kharisma - 26" x 2.10"

Rims:
Ritchey Pro Girder XC Double Wall - 32H - Black - OCR Rear - CNC Sidewall

Hubs:
Shimano LX w/ Quick Release

Spokes:
14G Black Stainless Steel

Handlebar:
Ritchey Comp Rizer - 620mm x 20° rise - OS 31.8mm Clamp Size

Stem:
Ritchey Comp V2 Alloy - OS 31.8mm Clamp Size

Grips:
WTB Dual Compound Trial Grips

Headset:
FSA Orbit XL II Threadless w/ Sealed Cartridge Bearings

Pedals:
Shimano M520 Clipless w/ Cleats and Clip-in Platform

Saddle:
WTB Laser V Race

Seat Post:
Ritchey Comp V2 Alloy - 27.2 x 350mm

Seat Clamp:
Uno Alloy Extrusion

Also Included:
Multi-tool, Touch-up Paint

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The Trophy works out to be about $100 less (shipping vs LBS tax considered). Of course I won't be able to test it until it arrives at my doorstep. It doesn't have the Hayes disc brake, but it does have what looks to be a better fork. I have no problem servicing my own bike as I am technically inclined. The LBS would provide "minor" adjustments for life on the Giant.

Based on the specs and the close geometry, what would you guys go with?

Thanks.. (Excuse the huge post)

Rainier- Trophy
Size: 19" - 20"
Head Angle: 71- 70
Seat Angle: 72- 73
Top Tube: 23.2"- 22"
Chainstay: 16.7"- 16.75"
WheelBase: 41.7"- 42"
Standover: 31.7"- 31"

Those specs aren't as "close" as you think The seat angle. head angle and the shorter top tube will feel a lot different than the Raineir that you seemed to like so much. Components are swappable, frame geometry is a PITA th get around. Bottom line get the Giant as you know you like it.

Thanks for the response, you're right- saving $100 dollars isn't worth the risk of an incompatible frame. If I ended up not liking the IBEX I'd be out ~$60-80 on shipping both ways too.

On another note, does anyone know if the Rainier frame is just a repainted copy of the entry level XTC frame? The geometries match 1 to 1, they're both made of ALUXX butted aluminum, is there a difference here?