Submitted by
Drew Salmons
a Cross Country Rider
from Fuengirola, Spain
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2003
Strengths: Best bike I have ever ridden - bar none. Ascending, descending, cruising and toasting singletrack. It does it all beyond complaint.
Weaknesses: The seat tube cracked
Bottom Line:
Am doing 250km a week as a guide and was gutted when frame broke, it cracked just below the cable braze on on the seat tube. A strange place me thinks. It is in the manufacturers hands as I write pending an invextigation into the failure. Will post an update when they´ve made a decision.
Strengths: -Head turner -Beautiful workmanship -Light -Amazing handling -Rocket ship -What more can I tell you? It rocks!
Weaknesses: Paint does chip easily but in the world of mountain biking it’s all part of the sport. What the hell...buy some touch-up paint if you’re so worried about it.
Bottom Line:
Well, the frame I have is one of the classic, full-steel models (no ti chainstays). It is an absolutely beautiful specimen that I drooled over for years before finally buying. (it sat for a long while). It rides like nothing I’ve ever ridden before and I used to think I had great bikes in the past! This thing just raises the bar in every way and in a big way. A very big way.
Below, someone spoke of poor customer service but I’m not sure what they are referring to. I was concerned about the availability of rear shocks once this one wears out (not that it’ll do it for a long time) so I e-mail Dekerf to see what would happen. Well, not 20 minutes later I get a reply from Chris Dekerf himself explain that there is no problem in getting them since they are still produced. He also gave a full description on the proper method in doing the job along with the tools I’d need (none out of the ordinary). It seems to me that a company time…
Bike Setup: XTR, Chris King, Syncros, KORE, blah, blah, blah
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Jooky
a Weekend Warrior
from Boulder, CO
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2001
Strengths: nimble handling, light weight, quality craftsmanship. Beautiful bike in copper.
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
I bought the frame and fork and most of the parts (no cranks, wheels, pedals, shifters or BB) brand new, unassembled on Ebay. I have built it into a swank, lightweight (just over 23 lbs), fast bike that is a dream to ride. I have had no problems with quality (I don't usually break stuff), and when I've had questions, Chris DeKerf himself has answered my emails. I have put a piece of innertube over the shock to protect it. If you can find one of these, you will not regret it.
Similar Products Used: Fisher Paragon, Santa Cruz Superlight
Bike Setup: XTR (brakes, rear der.), XT (shifters and front der.) Race Face (cranks, stem, seatpost, BB, headset), SID SL, King hubs
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Pete
a Cross Country Rider
from Thunder Bay, On
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2001
Strengths: Beautifully built, welds are amazing, handles better than any bike I've ever riden.
Weaknesses: Paint chips easily
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike at the end of '98 so I've got one of the steel stay steeds. This bike handles amazingly well in all conditions. After 3 years there is no sag in the rear 'suspension' at all. I was concerned at first about the longevity of this frame but I am no longer. I have ridden this bike from the North Shore to Moab and have nothing bad to say about this awesome bike.
Similar Products Used: Seven Sola Ti, Cannondale F4000, KHS crap-tail
Bike Setup: Atom bombs, Spox, RaceFace, xtr etc.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Chad Johnston
a Cross Country Rider
from Fenton, MI
Date Reviewed: June 21, 2001
Strengths: Just an update... this bike still rules!!! I can not say enogh about the quality.
Bottom Line:
To all of the reviewers that had problems, DeKerf will take care of you. Like any innovative product some probs occur. Isn't that what a LIFETIME warranty is for? Just think of all of the old frame designs. Would you want to ride a cannondale pre-superv fs, or how about a specialized 1st gen. stumpjumper fs (yuk!!!!). My frame works perfect and i'm sure yours will too. I think the guys at DeKerf deserve props for makeing a really cool bike, not to mention the other designs like the team, etc.
One update: I just switched from a marzocchi bomber z2bam to a 2001 judy sl. It may seem like a downgrade, but i don't think so. It feels sooo good. The bike tracks just as well, the fork is lighter and imho is more plush. Rock Shox does not get the props that they deserve. The make a great product. The judy is a proven design. Matched with the DeKerf it is purfect!!!
Similar Products Used: Willits ti is my other bike and it is crazy great, but mtbr does not know about them. They are made in Crested Butte. When Gary Fisher copies their 29 incher for production you might hear a metion.
Bike Setup: look below...
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Chad Johnston
a Cross Country Rider
from Fenton, MI USA
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2001
Strengths: SWEET RIDE!!! This is the best riding bike I have ever had. It is SWEET... The customer service from DeKerf has been great, I think mine is a 2000 yr. It is Viper blue. The rear shock is sooo simple. I was worried about the titanium / steel boding, but Paul assured me that it is cool. I have been riding a Cannondale (several) for years and this just makes it feel like crap!!! I am climbing in a couple of harder gears every time! On a long ride, the 853 just makes everything so smooth. It is very cool to be flying through some techy singletrack with roots and rocks and not even really think about what's under u. I am sold - My next bike (if I ever really need one) DeKERF All The Way!!!!!!
Weaknesses: The only weakness is with the dealer where the bike was purchased - (Airbums ;) ). Their customer service is LAME!!! Do not buy anything from these jokers - Eah! Stick with a reputable company who will responsibly fill your orders. Ask for Luke, he will tell you all about me!!!
Bottom Line:
If you have the cash, buy this bike. It will cost alot, but it is also a lifetime investment. It is steel, you need to take care of it and it will take care of you. Get some touchup paint from Paul and ride the MOFO. I was shopping for a Salsa, Indyfab, Fat Chance, Serotta and stumbled on to this wonderful piece of Metal Art that rides like a dream... Thanks up there in Canada, Eah!
Bike Setup: SRAM 9.0 XT WTB All the stuff that works great. Try the ESP stuff, it works purfect!!!
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Oakland, California
Date Reviewed: March 17, 2001
Strengths: Rides fast and smooth, classic lines.
Weaknesses: '99 ST has a design flaw in the chain stay area. My frame cracked in two places within 8 months of riding. After a 7 week wait, I got the frame back, we'll see how long it lasts. DeKerf would not pay for the freight or labor charges that my shop had in dealing with the repair. I was "put of pocket" about $200.00, a deal, but still $200.00 I shouldn't have had to shell out.
Bottom Line:
nice ride, no customer follow-up, DeKerf isn't interested in repeat business, and they don't get that their current customers are their best or worst asset, out on the trails.
Strengths: WHAT?... WELL IT RODE OKAY, BUT IT STILL BROKE TWICE IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. THEN THE GUY IS TELLING ME TO PUT DIMES IN THE REAR END??? WHATEVER.
Weaknesses: VERY POOR SERVICE. TOOK 7 MONTHS TO GET A FRAME. TWO MONTHS AFTER RECIEVING IT, IT BROKE. DIDN'T SEE IT AGAIN FOR 7 MORE MONTHS. OK BIKE FOR SOMEONE WHO NEVER WANTS TO RIDE!!
Bottom Line:
STEEL IS REAL. BUT THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR A GOOD OLD AMERICAN MADE ALUMINUM BIKE. ONE WITH GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE BACKING IT AND PURE RACING HEART. SORRY BUT I WOULDN'T WISH ONE OF THESE BIKES ONTO MY WORST ENEMY ON THE TRAILS.
Similar Products Used: HAVE RIDDEN JUST ABOUT ALL DIFFERENT FRAME MATERIALS. ALTHOUGH THE TI INTO 853 IS UNIQUE.
Bike Setup: XTR, JUDY SL, ROLF PROPELS.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Curtii
a Cross Country Rider
from Cranbrook
Date Reviewed: January 28, 2001
Strengths: Awesome handling, sucks up just enough of the trail to ease the ride without losing the sublte handling of a hardtail. Detail on the bike is excellent, very good Canadian spec. Thanks to Paul @ Dekerf for the extra info. Was not sure about the whole softail idea but as an ex racer I am sold on the mix between the two worlds. I heard DeKerf had lots of problems with this frame, but I have kept a careful eye on my frame and found nary a problem. Love this bike. This is a custom Canadian bike, built to ride and it shows.
Weaknesses: The der. hanger was substantially out, on the bike, right out of the box. Other than that nothing.
Bottom Line:
First bike I have owned that I still appreciate every time I ride it. Even after a year - I sell most bikes after one hard season. A lot of cash for a bike though. Would not recomend buying this bike until you have tried other bikes and suspension combinations. A full suspension bike it is not, a lightweight hardtail, it is not. But if you do not want the dually and a little bit of comfort to ease the day, this bike is for you. No question
Strengths: Incredible climbing bike.Very well balanced,I remember the first time I rode it I could not believe it handled so much better than my rocky mountain blizzard.Very comfortable to ride,4-5 hour rides are no problem.
Weaknesses: With anti chain suck device and all I still experienced a bad chain suck that dented the chain stay.I played the same waitng game to get my frame back as I read many others have.I really thought DeKerf should have picked up the tab for repair but NO GO! I must say though after a lengthy wait on a painfully substandard loaner bike(no cost thanks to my buddies at corsa cycles)the repairs were flawless,I also changed colour (gak me with a tire lever orange to an awesome blue)
Bottom Line:
An awesome xc ride I would recommened to anyone looking for a stiff and perdictable ride.Out of the box I got 3 maintenance free years(less tires and chains of corse I did ride the thing).Upgrading front end from judy xc's to bomber Z2 did wonders for handling.$125 for my chainstay crack repair sucked (as did the wait)but for the ride I would do it all over again.In case anyone was wondering,the change of color paint job cost $200.Well worth the money they did a fantastic job.They being DEKERF.
Bike Setup: Z-2 bombers,titec bars 1 inch rise,crane creek headset,race face cranks and bottom bracket,dean ti seat post,xt hubs 221 mavic front 517 ceramic on back,xt derailers
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
John Cavender
a Cross Country Rider
from Georgia
Date Reviewed: November 27, 2000
Strengths: Lightweight, beautiful bike a lot of work went into this, simple softail system. Great all around bike climbs like my old Bontrager and great neutral handling in the tight stuff.
Weaknesses: Price
Bottom Line:
I have to disagree with some of the previous statements made about customer service at Dekerf, I have owned a Dekerf prior to this one and I have had nothing but prompt courteous service, Tall Paul has always been easy to reach and very helpful. When I decided to buy this frame I talked to several current owners some who had experienced the frame breaking at the bottom bracket they have had their bikes repaired and have had no second failures. During the time I have had mine I have ridden on trails filled with roots and rocks and have had no problems. They seem to have done a better job with the paint as well.
Similar Products Used: Dekerf Team Sl, Bontrager Race
Bike Setup: Race Face Next and Bottom Bracket, Marzocchi Atom Bomb 80, Shimano XT, Speedplay, Avid Brakes and Levers, Thomson SP and Chris King Headset
Weaknesses: paint durability is poor. apparently where the ti stay bonds in...(it broke, and under relatively moderate riding , i only weigh 140 pounds...!) sluggish compared to a hardtail. stiff compared to a f/s...a happy medium or mediocre on both ends...?
Bottom Line:
good bike. broke. made me sad. i wouldnt buy another one... the paint really sucked.
Submitted by
todd stall
a Cross Country Rider
from poughkeepsie ny
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2000
Strengths: the past complaints seem to have been dealt with. Dekerf got a new paint booth and reworked the bonding on the stays. The frame work is impeccable and the ride is sweeeeet and smoooth. For only a few months it appears to be all it was billed at.
Weaknesses: The cable guides while nice to look at create a bit of a bind for the left side controls. Otherwise I see no flaws or shortcomings at all.time will tell!
Bottom Line:
so far it lives up to the hype for being the best soft-tail for the money. It has everything the moots and merlin have except the Ti and the price and the 853 steel and Ti stays are first class. I'll report back after this race season ends.
Similar Products Used: I have had a Dean Bam Bam for 5 years and loved it. Full Suspension is great but needed to go to a better climber. Also have a Specialized M2 which is indestructible as is my dean(except for the drop-out)
Bike Setup: Race face next cranks,xtr drivetrain,race face bottom bracket and stem, judy race fork, xtr-v brakes, lp composite bars, selle ti seat, ringle hubs.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan Gormly
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne, Australia
Date Reviewed: April 29, 2000
Strengths: Impeccable craftsmanship, the best softail ride going
Weaknesses: easily chipped paint
Bottom Line:
I understand all the comments about poor customer service, but I got a great deal on this awesome bike, and although it is a small company, they do back their products, but can;t be expected to perform like a billion dollar multinational... These guys keep it real, the bike climbs like nothing else bombs down anything like it had twice as much travel as it does, it really is an awesome ride. Great bike for all kinds of riding, technical, short and steep, XC and even long fast bombing down anything you want. Just watch out for the paint.
Bike Setup: XT/XTR. Judy Race, RaceFace, XT DISCS!!
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Brandon
a Cross Country Rider
from Cambridge, MA, USA
Date Reviewed: April 17, 2000
Strengths: Light, amazing handling bike
Weaknesses: Breaks. The customer service at Dekerf SUCKS. I ordered the bike 1 year ago in march. I received it in June. I broke it at the bonded stays in August, and deferf promised me a demo until I got the bike back in four weeks. Well four weeks later there was no demo and no bike. I finally got my bike back in late December. Dekerf couldn't care less. They build great handling bikes, but they don't follow through with customer service at all.
Bottom Line:
Don't bother with small companies that can't back their products..
