Sweet Rides: Entry #6

Today again I’m just going to post a quick one. Today it’s all about Dekerf. I won’t say much, only that I’m a huge fan of Chris’ work, although, you can probably guess that though as even my header image is of my Dekerf caked in crud after a particularly gooey outing a number of years ago. Before anyone says anything about that – this was on privately owned land/trails and was actually an event with “Mud Run” in the title so I did not take part in destroying any of our local trails. :-) This was the nature of the event.

Anyway, where was I? Oh yeah! Chris' frames are as beautiful to look at as they are to ride – and they can take a serious wallop too. Although my enthusiasm for them never faded, after taking my old one out for a jam after such a long time a little while ago and making that little video (previous entry) there has been a resurgence of my love for that bike. I’ve been riding it more than my most current mtb on the trails hence the inspiration for this entry and the cluster of Dekerf content lately.

I hope you don't mind.

First is a killer-nice Elysium Ti. A friend of mine owns one of these too (not the one featured here) and, good God, it’s the picture of perfection.


This one is owned, ridden and raced by “catsoft” over on mtbr.com. He’s done this ride justice by, in good taste, matching the orange Dekerf and RS decals with mango coloured Chris King headset and hubs, not to mention those lovely orange coloured nipples as well.

It’s details like that which make a sweet bike that much sweeter.


So very, very nice.

After some searching not so long ago I came across this awesome custom 29er. Seeing as I’m in the market for a steel 29er right now – I can’t help but think that this one would be so perfect in my quiver. I wish I could make that happen but, right now, I can't.


How about this Ti cross frame? Tell me you don't want that...



Lastly, is a blue Dekerf UK Limited (I believe); it may be a Team SST but it’s tough to tell from this photo. What is particularly nice about this one though is that matching Dekerf Tuning fork and that mega-rare Ti bar and stem combo that Chris has welded up in the past: a very freaking cool bike indeed.


That’s it for today folks. Just a quick one paying homage to Chris Dekerf and his fine work. I for one am very glad he kept the fillet brazing going after almost shutting the lights out at DK back in ‘07.

Phew! That was close! Thanks for all the great work Chris.

Anyone reading can submit bike photos (any bikes, not just Dekerf of course) to skabikes at hotmail dot com. I’d love to check them out.

Oh! Just before you go, here’s a nice close up shot of the good old Team St and that trademark wishbone design all his frames have. Just check out that craftsmanship.