DeKerf Singlespeed / Solitare Build...............FINISHED!!

[konasexthreerider]

DeKerf Singlespeed!!!

Thanks for the info, much appreciated.

Any idea of the year?

I'll put the frame no. on here soon.

Any more history I should know about????

Cheers

 

[suburbanreuben]

The Singlespeed was launched in '99, and became the Solitaire in 2001, so that narrows it down a bit...

http://www.dekerf.com/aboutus.asp#hist

 

[konasexthreerider]

DeKerf Build

The plan is to keep the frame exactly as it is.

The paintwork is original and I think it'd be a shame to get it re-painted. Saying that though, I've seen some great examples of painted frames that look amazing.

Fork wise I'm purchased a brand new On One fork in white for £59.99 inc postage. If anyone knows of a suitable fork for a reasonable price with the correct a-c please let me know.

Any suggestions on any part of the build are welcome.

 

[suburbanreuben]

I had one of these, same colour, a couple of years ago. I ran it with a 405mm Groovy Fork. http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewto ... ght=dekerf
It worked fine but was a tad quick steering wise, and could probably have done with an extra 10-20mm on the a-c .
You have quite a choice, from 415mm TB project 2s,, Vicious cycles 425mm, Salsa, Pace, etc etc.
I don't think the On Ones will get the best out of the frame.

 

[konasexthreerider]

DeKerf Forks

You're probably right, the On One's are a bit of a make-do for the moment.

They are 420 A-C.

What I do like about them is that they're a similar sort of style to the rear of the frame.

Pics soon.

 

[konasexthreerider]

On One Forks

Just received the new On One forks.

Somehow I don't think I'll be worry about steerer length!!!

Not light (1.15kg after steerer is cut) but at under £60 posted I can't grumble.

 

[letmetalktomark]

I don't mean this to sound elitist or anything along those lines ..... I like On One and have a good few of their products but ....... those forks.

Firstly they are uber stiff - painfully so.
Secondly the weight but this may not be something that bothers you too much.

Salsa Cromoto forks can be had for similar money and are vastly more compliant, lighter and personally I think they will suit the classic lines of the frame better.

Just my 2 Cents

 

[konasexthreerider]

Salsa forks0g

I know what you mean about the forks. Both forks weigh a fair bit and judging by the weights I should think both are very stiff.

On One 1175g
http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/FOOOCR26DV/ ... rake__disc

Salsa CroMoto 1130g
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/salsa-cromoto-rigid-forks/

Looks wise, I would have to choose the On One's as these look most similar to DeKerf's Tuning fork ( http://www.dekerf.com/Details.asp?id=13 ) and they match the seat stays of the bike.

Unfortunately the answer is to wait for some Tuning forks. Even then I doubt I would buy them if the owner wants anywhere near the $650 price tag they purchased them for.

 

[suburbanreuben]

Salsa Cromotos are excellent forks. I didn't like them at first but I grew to appreciate them. Not too stiff at all, and comparable to forks twice the price!

 

[letmetalktomark]

As Nick says the Salsa forks are very good for the money.

BTW similar weights bares little resemblance to how they feel in use.

In reality I have also found that the OO forks are closer to 1400g.

My Cromoto in 440mm length is very close to the kilo mark.

Just saying .....