KeatonR

So I bought an '04 Bianchi Denali 17.5 inch on ebay and have determined that it's a tad too small. Considering buying a used 19 inch dragon frame ('04) and transferring the parts over. Question is, are all the parts compatable? (I know that the Dragon would prefer the XTR, and so would I, but what can you do?)

Here's what's on the Denali:
Fork: Marzocchi MX Pro, alloy steerer, 85mm travel
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
Pedals WTB clipless, 2-sided
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
Seatpost Bianchi alloy, 27.2mm

a2psyklnut

The parts that may or may not swap over are as follows and why:

The forks: Different frames and different size frames have different head tube lengths. If the steerer tube on the fork is too short it will not be able to be mounted on the Jamis.

The seatpost: The Denali is Alum (I believe) and the Dragon is steel (Steel is real baby) The seat tube may be of a different diameter. 27.2 is pretty standard for alum. frames, but steel us usually smaller like a 26.8.

The front derailleur: For the same reason as the seatpost. The seat tube may be a different diameter. Some of the newer front derailleur clamps have an adjustable, so you might b o.k. However,due to cable routing of the two frames the swing of the derailleur might be different. The good thing is front derailleurs aren't all that expensive. I've seen XT's on line for $15. As a matter of fact I have a brand new XT front for a steel frame N.I.B. if you need it, let me know!

Chain. If the chainstays on your Dragon are longer, you may have to add a link or two to your chain.

The bottom bracket shell width varies as well. Some are 68 mm and some are 72. Again some of the newer bb's have spacers to accomodate both.

Everything else is compatible.

KeatonR

Hey, thanks for the info!

Actually, the denali is steel too. Also considering adding the parts to the 19" Zion 853 frame (obviously I like steel). For the Zion, see jensonusa.com.

My primary concern is whether the fork will be compatable, since that would be a big pain (and big expense) to have to replace. So I guess first and foremost I have to get head tube lengths ...

a2psyklnut

Yeah, that is the most critical.

Unfortunately you can't add to a steerer tube. Sure you can send it back to the manufacturer, but it won't be cheap.

Plus with what having the new steerer tube pressed in, then shipping, you could almost buy another fork on closeout somewhere.

If it's an issue, sell the frame and fork together. Use that money to get a different set.