The Rocky Mountain bikes I have seen have been of a higher quality. However, as miamijim states, a person has to know what it is to appreciate it! I picked up a Rocky Mountain "Classic" 700c touring bike a few years back at a pawn shop. I tried to reserch it to no avail..I even called Rocky Mountain, and the kid on the other end didn't have a clue....It's a great bike, but it seems that only I know it
Fwiw, your 24" Mountain bike sounds like a keeper to me.

Cheers,
Chris