Dekerf had but one bike on display, a rare occurrence in the halls of NAHBS once you’ve moved beyond the first timers’ tables. And Dekerf’s long since moved past that, building bikes for more than 20 years. Based in Vancouver, this year’s entry proved one was all he needed to take home an award. In this case, the well deserved Artisan Award.
But it’s not just a show bike, it’s headed for a new owner now that the show is over. Chris wouldn’t say how much it cost, at the buyer’s request, nor would he speculate as to what it would cost if you wanted something similar. Assume it ain’t cheap – the entire bike is all titanium, and as you’ll soon see, there’s a LOT of custom cutting, bending and shaping that went into it. Click on thru for the gallery, this one’s pure eye candy…
Note the position of the headset at the front of the head tube up top…
…and at the rear of the headtube at the bottom. It’s a trick of the eye thanks to multiple tube sections being used, but it puts the offset fork crown flush with the front of the head tube for a clean look.
The brake cable goes directly through the handlebar and into the steerer tube up top, popping out at the bottom for an almost invisible look.
There’s no front derailleur, so only the rear shift and brake cables need exit the handlebar. Rear shifting is managed by a Campagnolo TT shifter on the back of the handlebar. This one was also gunning for some Campy love at the show.