"de K" Steel Frames (sold by Stanmore Cycles in the 90s?)

[Velo13]

Hi all,

I have wondered for a while about "De K" labelled steel frames?

Sold in the early/mid 90s (I am told, and mine has a sticker declaring so) by Stanmore Cycles in Sydney. There's also a sticker saying "handmade by Steve ??????" (I think - it's very heard to read the signature represented in the decal).

I have a friend who has a steel "de K" MTB of that era that he bought from Bob at Stanmore around then, or even a bit later.

I picked one up at NSB on the weekend. Needs love (paint and surface rust touch ups), but it's fillet brazed Reynolds 653, and straight (a rarity these days) so should ride nicely.

Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

[P!N20]

I got nothing. Pics?

[Velo13]

Peter at Star Enamelers has been a great help. Built by Phil Spark (who was working with Wayne Kotzur at the time he thought?).

All were fillet brazed, and all painted by Peter. All higher end tubesets.

All sold by Bob at Stanmore. He estimates no more than about 6-10.

He claims they were pretty good quality builds, better than many, but not quite as good as some. Well worth saving.

[ldrcycles]

I saw that frame there, didn't have a close look but even from a distance it was obviously serious quality (hence completely out of my price range ).

[Velo13]

So I have had a few small rust pits filled (likely some flux left over/painted over in the original build process), and the frame has now been powdercoated in a very close to original dark blue metallic. Once sandblasted it was quite evident this is a very nice frame. Bloody light too.

Bob ex Stanmore lives up near me and I got in contact and we discussed the frame at length. It was custom built in 1993. I have sourced some 653 decals, and Bob thinks he still has decal sets. So now the next Q - neo retro or full retro build?

[10speedsemiracer]

So I have had a few small rust pits filled (likely some flux left over/painted over in the original build process), and the frame has now been powdercoated in a very close to original dark blue metallic. Once sandblasted it was quite evident this is a very nice frame. Bloody light too.

Bob ex Stanmore lives up near me and I got in contact and we discussed the frame at length. It was custom built in 1993. I have sourced some 653 decals, and Bob thinks he still has decal sets. So now the next Q - neo retro or full retro build?

My vote (is this a voting matter?) is for a retro build, maybe Deore XT 8sp. Maybe not cantilevers though..