Dekerf To Close Shop in 2007

After 17 years of building handmade bicycles, Dekerf Cycle Innovations will close its doors in January of 2007. The three-man frame-building outfit has crafted 5,000 bicycle frames during its history and distributed them into 13 different countries. The company has produced frames in steel, titanium and aluminum and for virtually every type of use.

Over the years Dekerf frames have received praise from riders around the globe. Bike’s own Mike Ferrentino once described a Dekerf frame as “the best handling bike in the world.” The brand is known for its classic hardtail designs and the bike’s meticulous craftsmanship.

Chris Dekerf, the founder and sole owner of the company, said he wishes to close the doors gracefully and seek other opportunities within the bicycle industry. Only 40 years old, Dekerf is optimistic about the future.

“After 17 years, the time has come for me to try something new,” Dekerf says. “I’m really just throwing the door open. I guess you could say I’m curious as to what opportunities may present themselves.” It has not been decided whether the company’s assets will be sold individually or if the company will be sold outright. “I’m really just going to wait and see what interest comes from the news of us closing,” says Dekerf.

There will still be approximately 50 Dekerf frames built over the next few months before the expected closing date of January 31, 2007.