bikes / all terrain

Kris' 26er Dekerf Conversion: My Generation

Kris' 26er Dekerf Conversion: My Generation
Local rider Kris Przednowek's Dekerf Generation drop-bar 26er conversion blends timeless craftsmanship with modern upcycling, proving old bikes can be reimagined for a new era of riding.

We've never featured a “reader ride” before, but today we're making an exception. In fact, I'd like to make an exception for all 26er conversions moving forward. There's just something so inherently great about taking an old frame and rebuilding it with modern ideas for a completely new purpose. It's a creative act that transforms the past into the present, giving new life to something that might otherwise be forgotten.

Ever since starting BGDB, I've wrestled with the idea of contributing to the mass consumerism that the cycling industry is so relentless about. Every year, there's a push for new products, new standards, new must-haves. My way of countering this has been to focus on smaller companies and grassroots organizations—choosing to skip over the giant, global manufacturers driving the cycle of overconsumption.

My career in design has only sharpened this idea. Design and consumerism are so tightly intertwined, and I've seen firsthand how easily products are created to be disposable—designed for a single sales cycle rather than a long life. That's why the idea of the circular economy has always intrigued me. The thought of creating something that lasts, something that can evolve and adapt over time, resonates deeply. And while we wait for the big players in the cycling world to embrace sustainability in any meaningful way, we have upcycling: a practical, hands-on way to reclaim the longevity and value of the past.

This is why the 26er movement speaks to me. It's not just nostalgia—it's a rebellion. It's a way to tip the scales in an industry that churns out bikes by the thousands in hopes of convincing us we need the latest and greatest. Taking an old 26er frame and reimagining it isn't just sustainable; it's a statement. And for the people who take on these projects, it's also a deeply satisfying hobby. Hunting down parts, figuring out compatibility, learning the history of the bikes—these are all part of the joy.

Kris & the Dekerf

I met Kris Przednowek last summer while riding the local trails. Our initial chat was brief, but we ended up following each other on Strava. Over the next year, I became fascinated with Kris's sense of adventure and the places he was riding. Then, one day, he posted a ride featuring this bike—a Dekerf Generation 26er drop-bar conversion. and I knew I had to reach out and ask if I could photograph the bike.

To be fair, I didn't know much about Chris Dekerf or his bikes—what I thought I knew turned out to be mostly wrong. But I've since learned that Chris Dekerf is a legend in the Canadian cycling world. Starting his career at Rocky Mountain in the late 1980s, Dekerf went on to found Dekerf Cycle Innovations in Vancouver, BC. His steel frames are renowned for their craftsmanship, design, and durability. Today, he continues to build custom bikes by hand in the Lower Mainland and even creates OEM frames for brands like Chromag.

The frame Kris used for his build is a Dekerf Generation, a steel hardtail mountain bike frame likely built around 2000. It came into his hands thanks to Tim and Gerry at Straight Up Cycles in Victoria, BC. While Kris had been a customer at Straight Up for years, he joined their team in 2024, and the shop's culture of generosity and knowledge-sharing was instrumental in making this conversion possible.

The Build: Crafting a 26er Revival

Every detail in the build reflects a commitment to upcycling and functionality. At its core, this is a bike designed to be playful, capable, and versatile across any road or trail. The details bring that vision to life: a Kona P2 steel fork to match the frame, Mavic Crossride 26” wheels for durability, and Continental 2.2” Race King tires (though Kris has a set of Rene Herse Rat Trap Pass tan-wall slicks on order for a smoother ride). The drivetrain combines a New Albion 42-26 crankset—a rare new addition that provides a low granny gear for the hilly terrain of Southern Vancouver Island—with parts-bin Shimano XT derailleurs and bar-end shifters, giving the bike a classic yet functional feel.

The braking system is simple and effective: mechanical disc brake calipers paired with Tektro levers, all pulled from the parts bin. The finishing touches are equally resourceful, including a Cadence seat post, an FSA stem, adventure drop bars, and a Quasar S Repent saddle. Fizik bar tape completes the look, giving the bike a polished, timeless aesthetic.

Kris describes it as fast, playful, and incredibly fun—more of a “chubby road bike” than a pure gravel bike. It's capable across a variety of surfaces, from smooth pavement to rough gravel roads, and it embodies the idea that a bike doesn't need to be brand new or high-tech to be extraordinary. This build proves that a thoughtfully executed 26er conversion can rival any modern bike in terms of performance, all while carrying the soul of its history.

Wrap up

Kris's Dekerf Generation isn't just a bike; it's a statement about what cycling can and should be. It's about rejecting the throwaway culture that dominates the industry and embracing a more sustainable, creative approach. It's about celebrating craftsmanship and the enduring value of well-made things. And it's about finding joy in the process—because at the end of the day, that's what cycling is all about.

If you've ever thought about trying a 26er conversion, I'd encourage you to dive in. Find an old frame, experiment with parts, and let yourself be inspired by builds like Kris's. Who knows? You might just find that the raddest bike in your collection isn't the newest—it's the one with the most soul.