Dekerf Team SL build

[d8mok]

Back in 2022 i had a 97 Team SL (link below) , which I sold due to a couple of unicorns arriving.

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Thread 'Dekerf Team SL build and Q’s'

Oct 21, 2022

Not sure if there is any love for them on here as I haven’t seen many threads but I Picked up a Dekerf Team SL recently as I’d been fancying a high end steel frame for a while.

I believe it’s a 97 , does anyone know the paint code for the red which Dekerf used back then?

Not entirely sure how I’ll build it as I’d like some rigid Dekerf forks but they seem rare.

• d8mok
• Replies: 56
• Forum: Reader's MTBs --> 1997

I did miss the Dekerf though and said i would have another. In 2024 I picked up a Generation which was very clean. But it just didn't tick the box for me compared to a Team SL.

Fast forward to Nov 2024 and I noticed a rough looking Team SL advertised in the south. I didn't fancy a 7-8 hour journey so asked about shipping and also importantly its condition other than the obvious paint chips. To be honest I wasn't too fussed if I bought it or not as it was going to need paint and i didn't want any of the parts.

The deal kinda fizzled out partly due to my lack of interest because of too many ongoing projects and the gamble on whether the frame was good or not. Up until the seller messaged me in May 2025 to ask what Id buy it at. A cheeky offer was made on the basis it truly was a gamble.

Happily the frame is a good example outide of lots of paint damage. So it was a bit of a bargain even when the cost of paint is taken into consideration.

My plan is to have it painted the same red (or maybe go a bit brighter) , and add a colour matched fork.

Likely will go with Syncros bits, RF cranks and a bit of M950.

 

[d8mok]

This the frame now its been stripped and cleaned. No dents or cracks, just lots of paint damage.




This was the generation which i had last year. Frame was very very clean but just not as cool as a Team SL

 

[d8mok]

This is how the Team SL arrived last week. Everything from it is going to be sold as it'll be a full rebuild to my spec

 

[Retro_Roy]

watching

 

[SFP]

Beautiful frames. Looking forward to following this build.

 

[MattiThundrrr]

Subscribed, with envy.
I'm curious about the "unicorn" that you sold your first for. What supersedes a DeKerf?

 

[d8mok]

Subscribed, with envy.
I'm curious about the "unicorn" that you sold your first for. What supersedes a DeKerf?

Likely something that wouldn’t make sense to many folk. A turquoise 16 inch Zaskar which id been hunting for about 10-12 years but it was also combined with the prior purchase of a few other nice bits like a Xizang that meant funds were low.