Kirk bike ready for build! I'm off the wall happy!

[murielalex]

Quick backstory: After a kazillion hours of obsessive research and internal debate, I chose Dave Kirk of Kirk Frameworks to build my dream bike. I knew I wanted steel, which narrowed down my builders to a short list of five excellent builders, but I had no hesitancy when I finally put down my deposit almost ten months ago. On November 10th, I was injured, learned I had zero cartilage left in one ankle, which I already knew was arthritic, but I also knew that if I could get back to even 80% of what I was doing, I'd be good for at least 100 miles a week, if I wanted, for years (doc agreed). It wasn't looking good (couldn't ride without pain) until I started with a wonderful physical therapist one month ago, and I've been feeling really really good on the bike the last couple weeks, able to get in 30+ mile with zero pain, and increasing my speed to almost where I'd been before the accident (believe it or not, in a dunk tank for a charity event). I now know I can recover and was over-the-moon happy with putting in 80 miles this week, somewhat slow but pain free.

Cut to today: I got the call that he's ready to build my bike!!!!!!!! The only changes I'm making since the injury is that I'm no longer going electronic as I can't justify the cost while knowing that my riding will be decreased. I'm getting a JK Special with Terraplane seat stays. I haven't decided yet on fillet brazed or lugged but am leaning toward fillet brazed. It still will be two to four months before I have the bike (has to get to Joe Bell for paint, then I'm having the build done locally), but between having that click moment this week, knowing I can ride again, and getting the call, I feel like a little kid at Christmas.

I know that many of you have no idea of who Dave Kirk is, but I actually feel honored and somewhat unworthy that he is building my bike. I don't know many people I can share my excitement with, but I think you ladies can understand, which is why I'm posting now. Thanks for listening to me babble. I am sooooo excited!

Now how the heck to I decide on a color? Egad!

[Owlie]

WOOOOHOOOO!

The red ones go faster. ;)

[indysteel]

I know who Kirk is and have seen his bikes in person. Between his and Joe's craftsmanship, you are one very wise and lucky woman. Excellent choice. Please, please, please post oodles of pictures when it's done. I'm so excited for you!!!!

[indysteel]

Have you picked your paint scheme yet?

[Catrin]

Oooooo, what fun!!! Metallic purple goes fast and is sexy in the sunlight ;)

I am not familiar with Kirk, but I feel your excitement! Congratulations on all fronts!

[murielalex]

Thanks, ladies!


Have you picked your paint scheme yet?

Yes, about fifteen :)

[jobob]

Oh my!! Every time we've attended the Handmade Bike Show, I had to try to keep LeeBob from drooling over the Kirk frames. :cool:

And a Joe Bell paint job, swooon ...

Please post lots of pics! ... I'll have paper towels handy. :D

[OakLeaf]

Oooooooh, exciting! Will you get pictures of the frame in progress? If so you MUST share! :D

[indysteel]

Thanks, ladies!



Yes, about fifteen :)

LOL. I would struggle with that decision. There are just so many pretty options.

[velo]

Oh my!!
And a Joe Bell paint job, swooon ...


That's what I was thinking! Whichever of the "about 15" colors that you choose will certainly be beautiful. Serious eye-candy for bike nerds. Can't wait to see it!

[DebW]

How exciting. I was drooling over Kirk frames on the internet a few years ago.

[murielalex]

Thanks, again. It's nice to be able to share with people who get it.


Oooooooh, exciting! Will you get pictures of the frame in progress? If so you MUST share! :D

I've known other people who got pics of the build in progress, but I didn't ask him. I'm getting all the measurements (body and bike) done and filling out the questionnaire he sends this weekend. Once he gets those back and gets things figured and laid out, we'll have another conversation or five. I'll ask then.

[TrekDianna]

This prompted me to go look up some recent images on google. So beautiful. I can't wait to see it.

[roguedog]

Oooh. Awwww.

OH yes. The kirks are some nice folk. Beautiful bikes made by some very knowledgeable hands. Please do keep us in the loop and provide a ride report or five.

[murielalex]

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vstanbury/Screenshot2013-03-29at91112AM_zpse40214bc.png

Looks like Monday may be start day.

Based on the numbers from the Gunnar, which he likes for me, he's recommending a bit less bar drop and a bit more reach. That's about it, other than I'm becoming an insane woman choosing a color. I have it down to three choices....well....today I have it down to three :)

[gocard]

This is going to be an amazing story to follow :) I'm excited just from reading your posts! Colors can be so hard to choose especially when you can have it exactly how you want it!

[murielalex]

This is the final version. Decided to shrink the bike a bit to anticipate my impeding shrinking. It's weird to be at the age where that consideration needs to be put into the pot. I was concerned that I would have no wiggle room with a 52.5 tt and 80 stem, which is pushing the max of my reach now, even though I know the new geometry, compared to current bikes, accounts for that. Had a good conversation with Dave today, and he agreed, and this is the final version that will start turning into a bike tomorrow! Yay!

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vstanbury/Screenshot2013-04-01at95941AM_zps63d4d68b.png

[indysteel]

Where's the like button?

[Catrin]

Very nice! Congratulations on the impending....delivery :) Have you decided on a color or did I miss that?

[murielalex]

^ I have one main idea, but I have to wait and talk to Joe Bell first. I'm not a fan of the decal color choices and if I have to use them exactly as is (I've only seen pics of the decals as is), that will ruin my idea. I'm going to leave that alone for the time being and just enjoy the process.

Speaking of...I guess the work started this afternoon as I just these pics in my email:


Today I did prep work - inspecting tubes, setting the jig, mitering tubes, brazing subassemblies (chainstays, fork blades and crown) and last but not least lug fitting.

Tomorrow I’ll finish the lugs by shaping them and then jump into brazing the front triangle together and I should have time to braze the fork too.

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vstanbury/DSC_0512_zpsa22ea32e.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vstanbury/DSC_0552_zps5d1acc7e.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vstanbury/DSC_0554_zps45e26f9f.jpg

[Catrin]

Very nice! while I spoke directly with my designer at Gunnar / Waterford I did not get to see it in process. Keep us posted! :cool:

[NbyNW]

So exciting! Do keep us updated on your new bike's progress.

[roguedog]

You decided against terraplane?

Amazing isn't it.. that half table of metal tubes and whatnot will become your bike? Coolness.

How did you feel about the whole fit over the phone process? I'm not disbelieving Dave's competence but rather amazed he has enough experience to do it and do it well.. consistently. Can you elaborate on how he extracted enough info to get to this point? How'd it work?

[murielalex]

I wanted the Terraplane option because I love the way it looks, and is supposed to offer better stability. I also think of it as kinda like a signature of Kirk frames. As soon as you see it, you know it's a Kirk bike, and I liked that. Dave said that due to how short my seat tube is, the seat stay are going to be too small for the Terraplane option to have any performance advantage, and if I went with the straight stays, he could use the lightest tubes he has, which he felt would be the better choice. I'll admit to being slightly disappointed, but it makes no sense to pay the extra $350 for the look when the advantage would be going straight. I'd rather put that money towards some paint extras I'm hoping can be done.

Dave has three forms, two of measurements, bike and body, and one a questionnaire (23 questions) that give him all the preliminary info he needs. He worked with both me and my bike fitter, who helped make the final recommendations based on my concerns. The process was extremely friendly and speedy. I guess I'll find out when I get the bike how well it worked out, but I think the man knows what he's doing and I'm not worried in the slightest. The numbers are also not far off from my Gunnar, which was also custom, and fits me beautifully, though the geometry of this bike is different.

I've been told I'll have more pics today. :)

[murielalex]

Oh... To add to what I was saying re process, most of the communication was through email between me, Dave, and my fitter. I've had only three phone conversations, the first being initial contact before I put down a deposit, and the last recent two were primarily chit chat and confirming we were all in agreement, even though that had been done in email already. I just needed to hear it vs read it before I gave the final go.

[jobob]

You decided against terraplane? Ha, I was wondering the same thing. Bummer you can't get the Terraplane stays, but it'll still be a fabulous bike.

Ooohhh, you went with lugs. Joe Bell will do great work on those. :cool:

[murielalex]

Today's pics:

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vstanbury/DSC_0556_zpsb18efb97.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vstanbury/DSC_0573_zps6a6dfc59.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vstanbury/DSC_0570_zps9f25fc13.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vstanbury/DSC_0558_zps135017c8.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vstanbury/DSC_0562_zpsefb1827c.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vstanbury/DSC_0560_zpsd8d6a523.jpg

[Catrin]

Beautiful work!

[murielalex]

Today's work:

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vstanbury/DSC_0586_zps4fb0288c.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vstanbury/DSC_0588_zps22418678.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vstanbury/DSC_0592_zps93ab4308.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vstanbury/DSC_0594_zps7d0f4d5a.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vstanbury/DSC_0596_zps6702444a.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vstanbury/DSC_0599_zps01768716.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vstanbury/DSC_0606_zps80acc616.jpg

[roguedog]

totally jealous. are you replacing the gunnar with this or this is simply n+1 :)

[lauraelmore1033]

That is so cool! We only got a couple of pics when our tandem was ready to go to the welding station. That is already one stunning bike.

[murielalex]

The frame was finished on Thursday, but I've been too busy to post up the final pics until now. The lug work is gorgeous. I've been really impressed with the whole process, from the ease of communication to the professionalism and expertise, the quality of the work; sending the pics has just been an exciting perk. The bike is now off to Joe Bell and it's back to waiting.

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vstanbury/DSC_0658_zps8a70e6bf.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vstanbury/DSC_0649_zps8de5701d.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vstanbury/DSC_0651_zps5796ee4f.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vstanbury/DSC_0656_zps3ed97c42.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vstanbury/DSC_0646_zps1a7a5c61.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vstanbury/DSC_0613_zpsdc997f4b.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vstanbury/DSC_0609_zpsed823e04.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vstanbury/DSC_0628_zpsa7b0c70c.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vstanbury/DSC_0643_zpsce4add26.jpg

[indysteel]

Hey muriealex, please tell me you have it by now!!!! And, if you do, please post some photos soon. I'm dying to see the finished product.

[rebeccaC]

Hey muriealex, please tell me you have it by now!!!! And, if you do, please post some photos soon. I'm dying to see the finished product.

+1 gazillion :) I want to see what you finally chose for paint work!!!!!!

You can’t get better than Bell for a painter. I stopped by his shop one time when I was in San Diego. I saw some absolutely gorgeous pearls, some perfect cut out detailing and beautiful chrome work. I also saw a few Kirks there. Beautifully made bikes!!! Both Bell and Kirk are true artists.

[murielalex]

Thanks, gals. Joe's had my bike since mid April, and I first talked with him about paint choices end of May. Last conversation was a couple weeks ago, and I'm hoping to have the bike any day...week...now. I'm going with a pearl white bike with cobalt blue panels and a wee a bit of candy red. The hold up has been to Joe's perfectionism, which I don't mind so much, though I'm getting antsy at this point. I didn't want the decals, so asked him to stencil in the Kirk logo. Apparently, he'd run out of stencils, asked a local guy to make some, but didn't like the quality, so went to another source. He told me it should be ready at the end of the month. I know I'm ready!

[jobob]

Ah, I've been wondering too! It sounds lovely. The one downside to a Joe Bell paint job is that you better not be in a hurry, he's in very high demand and he's a perfectionist. But the results will be well worth the wait! :)

[roguedog]

i'm so glad someone asked. i've been wondering too!

[murielalex]

Joe Bell called me tonight. He said he should ship it out on Friday to Dave. I'm hoping to have it within a couple weeks. Yay!

[murielalex]

Arrrrrrrrrrrgh. I'm still waiting. Dave emailed me this morning, and was expecting to both receive and send out the frame to me today. As of this evening, he still hasn't received it, meaning I won't get the frame until next week, and will then have a day or two wait, at least, for it to be built up. Next week is my first and maybe last vacation for the past and future year. I was soooo looking forward to having this bike to ride. I have a cycling event over Labor Day weekend, and I planned on having this bike with me there since I put my deposit down over one year ago. That still may be possible, but I'd like to be able to ride it a bit before attempting 224 miles without opportunity for tweaking fit.

Soooooooooooo frustrated. :(

[murielalex]

Okay, as soon as I typed that, I got another email from Dave, saying he got the frame and will send it out tomorrow. The UPS driver broke his tooth at lunch and went and got a repair rather than driving around. Maybe UPS will give me a break and do Sat. delivery for free.

At least there's good news. I'm dying to see what it looks like.

[indysteel]

I honestly don't know how you've gotten through this wait. You are more patient than me. I can't wait to see it either.

[roguedog]

Me too. I keep checking this thread!

[murielalex]

The Bike has shipped and will be in Boca Raton on Saturday. Depending on when it arrives and how busy my lbs is, I may be riding it later that day. Here are the pics. I can't wait to see it fully built!

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vstanbury/DSC_1714_zps38624fc4.jpg (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/vstanbury/media/DSC_1714_zps38624fc4.jpg.html)

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vstanbury/DSC_1711_zps2a19d4d4.jpg (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/vstanbury/media/DSC_1711_zps2a19d4d4.jpg.html)

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vstanbury/DSC_1710_zpsc8c08454.jpg (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/vstanbury/media/DSC_1710_zpsc8c08454.jpg.html)

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vstanbury/DSC_1716_zps40db150a.jpg (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/vstanbury/media/DSC_1716_zps40db150a.jpg.html)

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vstanbury/DSC_1712_zps6c214e8e.jpg (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/vstanbury/media/DSC_1712_zps6c214e8e.jpg.html)

I don't think the pearl white or the candy red stripe really showed up in the pics as well as they will in person in the Florida sun. Sooooo excited.

[jobob]

Oh boy oh boy oh boy! Stunning.

[thekarens]

It's beautiful!

[indysteel]

Good golly; I love it! I bet it's going to look gorgeous in sunlight! I'm so excited for you. Give us a full ride report when you finally have a chance to take her out for a spin.

[Trek-chick]

gorgeous!!!

[Owlie]

Wow! That is beautiful! I can't wait to see the final build pictures!

[murielalex]

Thanks, ladies. I get to see the frame in person tomorrow, though it probably won't be ready to ride until Monday or Tuesday. Damn busy bike shop.

Indy, I've been registered for months for the Annual Tour of Sebring, a three-day cycling funfest in Sebring Florida over Labor Day weekend. The plan is to do three metrics, but I'm secretly hoping that I'll feel good enough to do a full century on the second day. Ride report to follow.

[murielalex]

I just got this text from my lbs, and am on my way to see my new baby for the first time.

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vstanbury/photo_zpsce4450b2.jpg (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/vstanbury/media/photo_zpsce4450b2.jpg.html)

[OakLeaf]

Wow. Just wow! Enjoy!

[murielalex]

Coming along.

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vstanbury/1150981_607079342678167_1141030765_n_zps8c08a842.jpg (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/vstanbury/media/1150981_607079342678167_1141030765_n_zps8c08a842.jpg.html)

[murielalex]

Did I mention I can't stop smiling. Pics really don't do the paint job justice.

[roguedog]

Man... sweetness. Love the wheels. What are those wheels? Dang.. nice looking bike. RIDE REPORT! Oh would love a comparison to the Gunnar and the Calfee..

tick.. tick.. tick.. Hey. It's Sun.. only a few more hours to go...????

[murielalex]

Wheels are Enve Smart Systems 3.4 clinchers with DT Swiss Hubs (Shimano). I picked them up a year ago, when the 11 speed first came out and have tried them out on both the Calfee and the Gunnar. I'll admit it was hard to go back to other wheels, but I can only afford one pair of these, and I'd planned them for the Kirk.

For components, I'm going with DA9000 and a mid compact 36/52. I have Ultegra pedals on all my bikes, so will use same. I've got a Ritchey seat post and stem (silver), and to tell you the truth, I don't remember what handlbars I chose :) I'm starting out with a Selle Anatomica saddle in black as I know it's comfy, but I'm enjoying my demo of the smp avant, and may try it on this bike, even though I hate the way it looks.

I should have the bike tomorrow, with only the tape (black with blue stitching) and the bottle holders (not sure which yet, but polished silver) to arrive on Wednesday, though I'll have loaners of both. Sad to say, the weather report is saying thunderstorms all week :( I have a three-day cycling trip planned for Labor Day weekend, so keeping fingers crossed.

[murielalex]

Crappy iphone pic right before my 10 minute fitting.

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vstanbury/photo_zps99a4f906.jpg (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/vstanbury/media/photo_zps99a4f906.jpg.html)

Moved the saddle back a bit, and made one small adjustment to the bars. Rode around near the shop for a few minutes, and I'm kinda really shocked on how perfect the fit is, as well as how smooth it is. It feels like my Calfee with ride. I get noticeable vibrations with the Gunnar steel fork. No so with this bike. I managed to get in a nine-mile ride on A1A before the thunder and lightning scared me back in. I had to do my version of a sprint to make it back home, and actually managed three miles at 25 mph in a headwind (note to self: cardio conditioning needs massive improvement). I made it to the end of my street right before it started storming. The whole house is shaking right now.

Though I need to obviously get in more miles to know anything, what jumps out is:

1. Love the hoods (fits my hand perfectly) and shifting of the new Dura Ace. Also like the mid compact. Was laughing while spinning up a bridge.
2. The fit of this bike needs no adjustment that I can tell. I feel balanced and strong with no weight on my hands.
3. This Selle Anatomica is comfy comfy comfy
4. This bike feels so much smoother than I expected. I'm not sure what I expected, but I guess I was going off the feel of the Gunnar. Also feels really stable. Right before I turned around to do my little scared sprinting thing, I was drinking from my water bottle, sitting up with no hands on the handlebar.
5. According to my bathroom scale. It weighs 18.2 pounds. Since I need to lose about that much...... :)
6. I look forward to getting a real ride in, hopefully tomorrow.

I'll take more pics Wednesday when I go back to get the final touches (bottle cages with little red buttons, different bar tape).

[brigada]

A fantastic build, congratulations! I can't help but drool over the spec sheet :D

[Owlie]

That is a beautiful bike. And awesome specs. Congratulations!

[murielalex]

Thanks, ladies. It's my dream bike, and I saved up my money, pretty much cutting out anything other than necessities, for over a year. I'm out to do a short ride now. Too bad I have daily responsibilities or I'd see how comfy the ride is when going longer. That will have to wait for the weekend.

[rebeccaC]

What a beautiful looking bike!!!! This thread took me back to my feelings when I got my seven (thanks!) :)

Such a satisfying process and great final bike to ride into your days!!! ENJOY

[brigada]

Thanks, ladies. It's my dream bike, and I saved up my money, pretty much cutting out anything other than necessities, for over a year. I'm out to do a short ride now. Too bad I have daily responsibilities or I'd see how comfy the ride is when going longer. That will have to wait for the weekend.

I know the feeling! I hope it's everything you hoped for while saving up - and more!

[murielalex]

I've managed three shortish rides so far, but will have plenty of time this weekend to really ride. Took the bike back to my lbs today for final touches and tweaks. I'm happy to say that right now I wouldn't change a thing.


http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vstanbury/photo_zps37e28989.jpg (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/vstanbury/media/photo_zps37e28989.jpg.html)

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vstanbury/photo_zps49a3f313.jpg (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/vstanbury/media/photo_zps49a3f313.jpg.html)

[OakLeaf]

Wow. Just wow to all of it. So happy for you!