I posted in another thread some history of de Kerf copied from a late 1999 copy of www.dekerf.com that is preserved on the wayback machine. It also includes the following about the 1999 Team ST (which incidentally entirely supports Andrew Ling's suggestion above).
The newly updated Softail for 1999 is the ultimate cross-country bike for those who recognize the benefits of rear suspension but want light weight and simplicity. As in the Team SL, the frame is made of Reynolds 853 tubing in the front triangle to create one of the lightest full-suspension frames available. Its one inch of rear wheel travel is controlled by a sliding spring inside the wishbone center strut for simple, clean operation. New for 1999, the frame features bonded-in Titanium chainstays that eliminate the need for pivots, which means no maintenance and more efficient riding. The softail will smooth the roughest courses without the loss of efficiency associated with most full-suspension designs.
Specifications for 1999
Fork Rock Shox Judy SL, SID Optional
Front Rim Mavic 222
Rear Rim Mavic 222
Spokes DT-15 Straight (front) 14/15 DB (rear)
Hubs XT
Inner tubes Ritchey Ultralight
Front Derailleur XT
Rear Derailleur XT
Shifters XT Rapid Fire
Brake Levers XT
BB XT
Stem Race Face SyStem
Seatpost Race Face XY 330mm, 27.2
Handlebar Race Face Air Alloy Riser XC
Headset Race Face Thermo SP
Grips Ritchey True Lite
Brakes XTR V Brakes (Rock Shox Disks Optional)
Saddle WTB SST chromoly rails w/kevlar sides
Cassette XT, 11-32, 9sp
Crankset Race Face LP
Chainrings Race Face Race Rings 22-32-44
Chain XT
Pedals PD747
Front Tire WTB Velociraptor K 47/52
Rear Tire WTB Velociraptor K 44/50
Chainstay Protector WTB
Weight (18.5") 1750g
Colors Kermit Green, Guinness, Copper, Burgundy, Viper Blue, Tangarine or Slate
The newly updated Softail for 1999 is the ultimate cross-country bike for those who recognize the benefits of rear suspension but want light weight and simplicity. As in the Team SL, the frame is made of Reynolds 853 tubing in the front triangle to create one of the lightest full-suspension frames available. Its one inch of rear wheel travel is controlled by a sliding spring inside the wishbone center strut for simple, clean operation. New for 1999, the frame features bonded-in Titanium chainstays that eliminate the need for pivots, which means no maintenance and more efficient riding. The softail will smooth the roughest courses without the loss of efficiency associated with most full-suspension designs.
Specifications for 1999
Fork Rock Shox Judy SL, SID Optional
Front Rim Mavic 222
Rear Rim Mavic 222
Spokes DT-15 Straight (front) 14/15 DB (rear)
Hubs XT
Inner tubes Ritchey Ultralight
Front Derailleur XT
Rear Derailleur XT
Shifters XT Rapid Fire
Brake Levers XT
BB XT
Stem Race Face SyStem
Seatpost Race Face XY 330mm, 27.2
Handlebar Race Face Air Alloy Riser XC
Headset Race Face Thermo SP
Grips Ritchey True Lite
Brakes XTR V Brakes (Rock Shox Disks Optional)
Saddle WTB SST chromoly rails w/kevlar sides
Cassette XT, 11-32, 9sp
Crankset Race Face LP
Chainrings Race Face Race Rings 22-32-44
Chain XT
Pedals PD747
Front Tire WTB Velociraptor K 47/52
Rear Tire WTB Velociraptor K 44/50
Chainstay Protector WTB
Weight (18.5") 1750g
Colors Kermit Green, Guinness, Copper, Burgundy, Viper Blue, Tangarine or Slate