Mountain Biking - Bianchi Denali vs. Rocky Mountain Hammer?

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KeatonR
11-14-04, 10:42 AM
Hi -- I'm looking to get a steel hardtail, and soon. I'm seeing some deals on 2004 models and have narrowed to two: a Bianchi Denali ($925), and a Rocky Mountain Hammer ($1070). I like the geometry of the Bianchi a little better (top tube isn't as sloping). But the Rocky has slightly better components. Any suggestions? Anyone know anything about the Dedacciai COM steel frame on the Bianchi? I'm familiar w/ the Reynolds on the RM.

Thanks!

Rocky Mountain:
SPECIFICATIONS
Frame: Reynolds 725 Chromoly
Frame Weight: 2.18 kg / 4.8 lb
Fork & Fender: Marzocchi MX Comp Air
Front Travel: 105mm
Head Set: Ritchey logic
Stem: Race Face Evolve
Handlebar: Race Face Evolve
Brakes: Shimano M525 Disk
Brake Levers: Shimano M525
Shifters: Shimano LX
Gearing (RR/FR): Shimano XT, LX
Rims: Mavic x223D
Seat Post: Race Face Evolve
Saddle: Selle Italia Fokus


Bianchi:
Frame Dedacciai COM steel, rack mounts
Fork Marzocchi MX Pro, alloy steerer, 85mm travel
Components
Headset VP AheadSet, 1 1/8" threadless
Handlebar Titec Hell-Bent XC, 25mm rise
Stem Titec Li'l Al, 7o rise
Brakes/Levers Avid Mechanical Disc brakes & levers
Crankset TruVativ Firex-XR, 22/32/44T, ISIS Drive
Bottom Bracket TruVativ, ISIS Drive, 113mm
Chain Shimano HG-53
Cassette SRAM, 11/32T 9spd
Wheels WTB LaserDisc Lite hubs; WTB SpeedDisc Pro XC 32h rims
Tires WTB WeirWolf, 26x2.1
Derailleurs r/f Shimano LX 9spd / Shimano Deore 28.6mm
Shifters Shimano LX
Saddle WTB Rocket V Sport SS

KrisA
11-15-04, 06:11 AM
My friend has an 04 Hammer, he loves it. Geometry is personal preference but it seems most of the people I ride with prefer the short slopping top tubes of Rockies & Kona's over the longish top tubes of other makers. They make great bikes for tight twisty singletrack and are wonderful on the decents.