I have to say that it rode really well. The rear end is very light and skips across most singletrack and xc type trail. The fork is no lightweight but soaked up small bumps brilliantly. The 100mm stem fitted perfectly too which made steering spot on! Couldnt be happier really.
That said I would be really tempted by a Pace rc31 rigid if one cropped up, just to see the difference.
Stunning build that Luke... really need some Turbines with black rings for mine!
Interestingly, I picked up a 97 Team SL frame for a future build. It is different to yours though. The joints at the top of the seat tube are fillet brazed on yours (like my 94 Mountain). My Team SL is tigged for these joints...
I emailed Chris DeKerf and sent him some pics to get the year. Visually I can't tell the difference between a 97 and 98 but I know the tubing is different at the rear.
Would like to see your one, seems like you have a load of very nice bikes on the go at the moment mate
Well I cant believe I've only just bumped into this place. Joys of joys at seeing some lovely Dekerf shots with oh my favorite tyres of yesterday the Smoke and Dart. I'm lucky to have two original Team SL's 1998 & 1999 and still use my copper 99 as my main and favorite even today, its been everywhere with me - Moab, Picos, Cham.. very nice Job and nice touch with the Syncro stem and seatpost for the real retro feel!