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?

[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.

And a Joe Bell paint job, swooon ...

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

[OakLeaf]

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

[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!

[indysteel]

Thanks, ladies!



Yes, about fifteen

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

[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!

[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!

[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.

[Catrin]

Beautiful work!

[murielalex]

Today's work: