SFP
Retro Guru
Good buddy asked me this morning which one I would get as he can only invest in the one.
He did joke about buying both and selling me the one he doesn't keep (can't say as I object to that idea too much).
DeKerk is a 1995 in mint condition
Bontrager is a 93 to 95 but has had the seat stays re-welded (by a Canadian frame builder).
Waiting on pics and serials of both bikes....
He has not ridden either and this would be his first vintage ride as it were.
He got into ridding back in 2019 and since then has both a full carbon 2021 Norco full suspension as well as a 2023 Norco hardtail. Like many of us on here he is in his early 50's and not looking to gap huge air or such. He is located in Northern Alberta so local trails/bike parks are limited and nothing like what one would find at Whistler or the Northshore on here on Vancouver Island.
Obviously there will be a huge difference in style/riding position/handling/etc over his current rides.
Honestly.... I be stumped. As someone who owns two handbuilt Rocky frames welded by Chris, I love Chris's work. I have built up for clients Dekerf's since they first went into production back in the early 90s so I know the quality and ride of them.
As for the repaired Bonty.... hrms.... I would be inclined to say pass on it but that may just be me being paranoid. Admittedly, a Race Lite is a bucket list holy grail for myself.
I told him I would ask you all so here I be asking.
Thanks folks.
He did joke about buying both and selling me the one he doesn't keep (can't say as I object to that idea too much).
DeKerk is a 1995 in mint condition
Bontrager is a 93 to 95 but has had the seat stays re-welded (by a Canadian frame builder).
Waiting on pics and serials of both bikes....
He has not ridden either and this would be his first vintage ride as it were.
He got into ridding back in 2019 and since then has both a full carbon 2021 Norco full suspension as well as a 2023 Norco hardtail. Like many of us on here he is in his early 50's and not looking to gap huge air or such. He is located in Northern Alberta so local trails/bike parks are limited and nothing like what one would find at Whistler or the Northshore on here on Vancouver Island.
Obviously there will be a huge difference in style/riding position/handling/etc over his current rides.
Honestly.... I be stumped. As someone who owns two handbuilt Rocky frames welded by Chris, I love Chris's work. I have built up for clients Dekerf's since they first went into production back in the early 90s so I know the quality and ride of them.
As for the repaired Bonty.... hrms.... I would be inclined to say pass on it but that may just be me being paranoid. Admittedly, a Race Lite is a bucket list holy grail for myself.
I told him I would ask you all so here I be asking.
Thanks folks.
