Submitted by
geoff parkyn
a Weekend Warrior
from vancouver BC Canada
Date Reviewed: February 7, 2008
Strengths: Oh that frame...
Weaknesses: well, some of the original components are showing there age, I bought this bike to upgrade to a sweet commuter
Bottom Line:
what can I say..this bike with the upgrades is one of my favourite rides, even though the frame is 13 years old it is a classic steel frame. I you like old school steel bikes, look fo one of these and give it some love..
I bought this bike on ebay in '03 because I wanted another steel Rocky. I do not know what year this bike was manufactured as pictures and info on older Rocky's is sketchy at best. Component descriptions vary on models and this makes year identification difficult at best. I do know that this model was put out between 1996-1998. The frame finish is black powder coat with Yellow on red graphics. There are no rear disk brake mounts.
The bottom line is if you are into elegant pencil tubing made from good "memory metal" this is a great frame. The long sloping down tube geometry provides good standover clearance. Coupled with a 9 degree head stem this configuration provides the classic "hammering" XC posture my 6'0" frame requires for sure climbing and max torque to the cranks on the flats. Not as supple as Ti the cromoly still gives a decent amount of cushion on fast bumpy downhill sections while never feeling out of control.
The frame came to me with flexy Bontrager comp cranks and an assortment of Rocky Mountain components as well as a XT/LX drive train and a replacement 2000 Judy SL fork. If this was going to be a credible xc trainer the older components had to go. The part upgrade list has brought the weight of the bike down to 25 lbs.
The Judy lowers are being sandblasted,repainted and new decals applied. The fork has been newly serviced ala "Hippetech" as the 3.8 lb. fork is lighter than a lot of current big hit xc forks on the market and is twice as reliable with its simple hydra coil all travel system with xxx seals. Furthermore the original graphic set for the frame have been provided by Rocky Mountain Bicycles via my local bike shop allowing for an optional re powdercoating and restoration of the frame should it be needed. At this time the paint and graphics are in good condition.
This tube design and bike feel are classic XC. If you are into the full suspension or big tube aluminum school of thought then this frame is not for you. Other steel frames of note such as De Kerf, Brodie, Klein, or even the Rocky "blizzard" employ the same geometry as the Hammer race as most of these builders are former Rocky designers/employees and relied on boutique name status to charge twice as much money for steel frames as was charged for the race series Hammers with a marginally better product. Most of this had to with component spec.
Bottom line is old school hardtail elegance and performance combined with durability and midlevel budget worth revisiting even today. 1996 Bike of the year. Nuff said.
Strengths: Craftsmanship of the frame. Handling. Looks. Weight.
Weaknesses: Old School shock, brakes and levers
Bottom Line:
This bike has been very good to me. I ride this bike hard, weigh 200lbs and nothing has ever broken on it. For the first time in 7 years I will be getting the rear wheel trued (from Dakota Ridge Trail). The bearings are all as tight as when new. Would highly recommend.
Similar Products Used: Specialized Rockhopper, GT Avalanche
Bike Setup: All stock.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
William O'Brien
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbus, Ohio
Date Reviewed: November 22, 2001
Strengths: Hey all you Hammer owners and potential owners. I just discovered this review site, so I thought I would leave a few comments about my 1991 (YES..a '91 Rocky Mountain) "Hammer". That's right, I have owned my Hammer since April of 1991. It came spec'd with the first generation grip shift (refered to as the road version now) and a full Suntour component package. This "Hammer" also features the now extinct rear monostay. Email me for pictures of this classic. Note to all of you--throughout the years I have constantly upgraded the bike...moving away from the original rigid front fork to the present Judy shock, and a complete and continuous upgrading of my drivetrain and other components. Basically, The only part of the "Hammer" that remains is the frame...but that is also the heart of the bike...which has never let me down.
Weaknesses: Initially, having the grip shift in 1991 was ultra cool but not comparable to modern day shifters...including modern day grift shift. Also, Suntour's drivetrain didn't seem to be a perfect match with this 1st generation grip shift...but I still loved riding the bike.
Similar Products Used: I briefly traded the "Hammer" in for a brand new "5500" Wheeler in 1995, but in less than one month I busted and bent the Wheeler rigid fork while jumping across a stream. When I took the Wheeler in for repairs, I bought my Hammer back and have never let go of it since. I gave the repaired Wheeler to my sister. I have always weighed around 195+, and at my peak I competed well in sport class. Now I'm a weekend warrior like I was back in the early 1990s, and this Hammer has always been bulletproof.
Bike Setup: Kore stem, Nukeproof carbon handlebar, Mavic rims, grip shift, XT rear, XT front, V-brakes, Rock Shock, Salsa Skewers, Ringle front and rear rubs, Downhill Kooka cranks, Micro Chainrings, Shimano Clipless platform pedals, double butted spokes, Rock Shock seatpost.
Strengths: -Light, stiff frame. -I weigh 170lbs so the soft Indy XC fork is juuuust right for me. -The black, indestructable paint job is REALLY GREAT (compared to the crap that R.Mountain put out in 2001. Yuk). -Rims are fine. I squarely hit a drainage pipe, flipped the bike, face planted and didn't need to fix anything. I, on the other hand, got a black eye and very badly bruised ribs that hurt even now (a month later). -etc, etc, etc...
Weaknesses: -The front shifter (LX) or rear shifter (XT) can't hold a gear over rough terrain. I think I will have to replace the shifter or the rear spring. -The rubber (especially in the rear) is unsuitable - THE KNOBS AREN'T BIG ENOUGH! There gotta be BIG KNOBS! -Cranks are just stiff enough. -Its impossible (so far) to get into top gear without the chain grinding on the front shifter. It might be because I'm lazy.
Bottom Line:
-I'll keep the bike and upgrade parts when they break. (I haven't said that about any other bike that I've owned). I really like it. I don't expect it to let me downhill, but I'm going to have a lot of fun with it. -And I WILL ride it in winter. -And I didnt have to spend a lot on it. $800 Canadian for a mint second hand bike.
This is just an rant at Bill who was slagging Winnipeg in his message from 5/2/98. Firstly, the guy's obviously a fat POS due to his angry reaction to Chris' review of the '97 Hammer. Whatever! The truth is though, Winnipeg has a good 50km of serious single track winding along it's various waterways. Lot's of up and down, and if you can't zone in you'll be ringing off tree trunks. Bill didn't say where he's from, but stick this in your bucket pal.....we only have snow 5 months of the year. Besides, the poser shouldn't be scared of a little snow and cold.
Submitted by
Dr_Demento
a Weekend Warrior
from Mississauga, ON, CANADA
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2000
Strengths: Great frame. Great setup/angles/rider positioning. Great value.
Weaknesses: Stock components. Upgraded throughout to Ritchey Comp.
Bottom Line:
I bought this 97 bike in 98 from someone up north. Back then RockyMountain had a forum on their website where you could find out if someone was selling an old bike. Paid $800 for the bike, which had been decked out in complete Ritchey after market components, except for the rims and seat post. Replaced the Sun rims after they cracked some there after. Love the bike to death - I don't find it too heavy (that coming from a roadie in my teens) and is very forgiving over technical sections and twisty singletrack.
As far as used bikes go, if you're lucky and the previous owner didn't abuse the sh*t out of it, its a steal.
Similar Products Used: Cannondale, GT, Scott, DiamondBack, Kona, Giant, Specialized
Bike Setup: Hard Tail with RockShox front, Ritchey Head set, V brakes, and Logic clipless, Ritchey tires...
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Roger
a Weekend Warrior
from Comox,BC
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2000
Strengths: Durability.
Weaknesses: None.
Bottom Line:
Having read some of the reviews this bike has received I felt I had to say something about the bike I've been riding for the last three years. This is a review of the second of two hammers I have owned (the first was a '93) and I will speak from my own personal experience (because everyones skills and styles are different it is kind of pointless to compare the subjective stuff.) The bike has evolved with my riding and I would put it up against any bike in its price range. Yes, things have broken and bent and they have been replaced, but I can't say anything bad about the bike. I paid less than $1200can (About $250us)three years ago and have ridden the bike pretty hard and it's still going strong. It climbs awesome, descends, does drops and clears logs just as well. I'm waiting for my RM6 to arrive (and I'm sure I'll break bits off that too, but it goes with the territory) so I can go bigger and faster, but for anyone starting out that's looking for value you can't go wrong. Don't buy it if you're looking for pro level racer for $1000, if that's the case I've got some land for sale that you might be interested in( it's a great deal!). Three thumbs up.
This bike is great for someone likes to boot around town and trails but isn't overly hardcore. It's a great durable bike but the trade off is it's hefty frame.
Submitted by
DirtyRoo
a Cross-Country Rider
from Waterloo, Ontario
Date Reviewed: July 22, 1999
Strengths: great frame (good starter bike easily upgraded) value good wheels (richey rock 440)
Weaknesses: lx components a bit heavy
Bottom Line:
In 96 I got this bike as a rigid. It was my first MTB bike as I made my transition from road to dirt. The frame is top quality triple-butted Tange, with a great powder coating. I'm one of those 'steel is real' people at first because of cost, but now after having ridden a bunch of other bikes, I'm staying with steel. This bike carves unbelievably, it is a singletrack wet dream. As well as being agile, it can also climb like a goat with it's ass on fire. On my last long ride (7hr & 150km) I switched with my friends Kona Explosive, admittingly his frame is 1 larger but it felt like I had gone from a VW to a 70's Cadillac. My Hammer just felt so much more solid, tight, and 'flickable'. He even admitted it took him an effort to get accustomed to his Kona after switching back, whereas switching to my bike came natural to him. It came with mainly LX components and I've since upgraded as parts wore out or got bent. Speaking of bends, in one huge bail, the front wheel got twisted and the brake levers put a large dent into the frame's top tube. The frame alignment is still fine and the paint didn't so much as chip so I just left it alone as it adds some character. I just wonder what would have happened if the frame had been aluminum instead? Now that I've finally gotten front suspension and clipless pedals, I couldn't ask for a better bike. Sure it's a couple pounds on the heavy side, but that just means I get a better work out, it's not like I race every week or have the money to burn. I would definitly stay with Rocky Mountain bikes, were I to get another.
Similar Products Used: Kona Explosive ThinBlue Line (aluminum) Specialized Rockhopper Marin (?)
Bike Setup: 96 Rocky Mountain Hammer xt Bontranger Mustang wheels Judy XC 80mm travel fork Panaracer Fire xc Pro ESP 9.0 rear der & shifters
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Saddle Sore
a Cross-Country Rider
from Calgary Alberta
Date Reviewed: May 12, 1999
Strengths: One of the best made frames you can get. decent components.
Weaknesses: Deteriorating shifting. bad fork.
Bottom Line:
Mine was a 1996 and it blew me away compared to my 1992 Kuwahara Savage (30lb cromo crap) But the gripshift shifting deteriorated quickly along with the Rock Shox quadra 21 fork, (which isn't even sealed.) So, eventually I replaced the srt600 shifters with XT Rapidfires and Got a rochshox indySL onthe front. It works eons better, but still needs regular lubing. I have had no real trouble with the wheels. after two whole years they are working fine. They do go out of true after a long hard beating in the mountains and I get that fixed when I have the time.The performance of this bike is exceptional for a bike as limited as it is. It's a bit heavy but its ride quality has been compared to top-of-the-line steel bikes. it climbs nicely with it's racing geometry and tight rear end. Like most Rocky Mountains, this bike is a master of singletrack. I am constantly being wowed by it's performance. It doesent act like a $1200 bike. It is a suprising ride. I have riden all kinds of bikes and this thing can push it self up to the big boys with a few upgrades cos of it's good racing frame.So, here are my beefs: suspension forks 1n 1996 were crap, replace that. 1996 Gripshift turns to goo in two rides, get a beefy spring in that derailleur and get gortex. & they could have done a better job onthe cranks, they are cheap and flexy, I just got some RaceFace onthere, what an improvement. the newer ones have Marzocchi forks and Rapidfire shifting. Sounds like an incredibly beefy and dependable bike!!My praises: Kicked anything else in it's price range's ass in performance. Alot of the bikes in that range in 1996 didn't even have suspension. It looks great! and it came with a respectable mix of components for the time. Lx all over except for the cranks and shifters.So, a sweet handler with good components, a great frame, good looks and a crappy fork. But the fork is not it's fault, forks were crap three years ago. Four points, five for the new 1999 one, its, lighter, better components and better Fork. And it is cheaper. The upgrader's delight!
Similar Products Used: 1997 Rocky Blizzard 1996 steel Stumpjumper
Bike Setup: new Xt shifters, and deraileur. RS IndySL Fork avid 20 v brakes
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, Alberta
Date Reviewed: April 14, 1999
Bottom Line:
Whoa!!!....$$ for $$ this bike kicks some serious @#$%!. The Ritchie components are great and seem to compliment the bike very well! The only draw back at this time is seat slipage on the quick release clamp on the seat post. This bike ROCKS on single track and is quick and responsive!! The frame is top notch, and this Canadian made bike seems like it will last for a long time!! Canada Kicks Ass!!!
Submitted by
Joe
a cross-country rider
from Colorado
Date Reviewed: March 6, 1999
Bottom Line:
I've had my 96 Hammer Race for three years now and overall I'm still pleased with the bike. Yes, I had to replace the rear wheel after a year, and I've replaced virtually every other component over time due to wear and tear or upgrades. But I think the frame is top shelf and Rocky sells a lot of bike for the buck. I recommend it as a good entry level race bike.
I am the third owner of a Rocky Mtn. Hammer race that I borrowed from a friend a long time ago when my OCLV frame was all F-ed up. After ridin that thing once, I dumped the OCLV on somebody who wanted to deal with continuous warranty problems and promptly started hossin up on the rocky. Basically this bike is ultra-aggro and deserves more respect than it gets. Like I said, I am the third expert level rider to put massive daily abuse to this thing and after three years it keeps on takin it like a five dollar wh@re. I cant exactly comment on the wheels that came with it, since i never saw em and had to put my own on, but wheels are wheels and I consistantly beat the hell out of all kinds from cane creeks to sups to my new low cost sacraficial lamb...matrix voodoo. Basically if you are gonna ride hard, something is gonna break, but the frame has NEVER given me trouble even after havin to fix the dropout several times due to massive collisions. Those beef-o ritchey dropouts can take several bendings--no prob. The aggro geometry of the frame as well as its friggin durability and excellent climbing characteristics makes it my favorite bike. It descends like a friggin meteor, stable as a horse. A while back, I bought a Bontrager race as my racing specific bike but always prefer ridin that kick ass Rocky. This bike gets full props from the heinous testing ground here in blacksburg. Steel is real!!!!!
Here is my El Martillo, finally built up.
Stats:
55 cm Electric Blue El Martillo Road Frame (Pic #1)
Reynolds Carbon Fork/Carbon Steerer (Pic #2)
Full 105 components Except Read More »
