My new David Kirk [Archive] - The Paceline Forum

Brendan Quirk

11-10-2016, 01:25 PM

This is my 2nd Kirk.

My 1st one is a JK Special with oversize tubes and was intended to be an all-purpose tank: Big tubes, a steel fork, and I ride 28's on it.

My new one is intended to be a race bike: It has Terraplane stays, an Enve carbon fork, with 25s.

It's a spectacular machine. In case you're contemplating a Kirk, I strongly recommend the Terraplane stays. I'm astonished at what a difference it makes in tracking and cornering -- both on flat roads and descents. The cliché "...like a cat on carpet..." is apropos.

I expected the Terraplanes to look more exotic in person than it actually does. Rather, it fits in quite seamlessly and almost invisibly.

Also, I'd like to give a shout out to Joe Bell. I spent a ton of time designing the paint scheme. I'm embarrassed to admit it was inspired by the new paint scheme for American Airlines (a company with a long and interesting relationship with excellent design). I know Joe definitely ran against some roadblocks, but he executed beautifully and without compromise.

I have several bikes I really like -- my 1st Kirk, a Canyon Aeroad, a Seven Airheart -- but I completely adore this Kirk.

Beyond this, Dave might be the single most pleasant human being on the planet. He's technically masterful, but his heart is even more outstanding. If you're tempted in the least by a Kirk, I can assure you that you'll be delighted!

Aaron O

11-10-2016, 01:34 PM

I like the frame design...bar tape should have apple pie images on it.

stephenmarklay

11-10-2016, 01:37 PM

Super cool man. I want a new motorcycle. Specifically I want this one. Since I have a bike rack on my current motorcycle this would be a cool combo :)

ANAO

11-10-2016, 01:41 PM

Now THAT'S a paintjob!

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

rileystylee

11-10-2016, 01:55 PM

now that's a quirky kirk mr quirk.:beer:

Dr suess inspired?

buddybikes

11-10-2016, 02:12 PM

White Handlebra with red and blue sticking! (or pick another mix of the 3)

alessandro

11-10-2016, 02:21 PM

Hi Brendan. I miss your well-written discursions on Competitive Cyclist.

Sweet bike! I was wondering what happened to that frame. Question: When you originally narrowed your choices down to three builders and then settled on David Kirk, you specified straight seatstays. I think it was because you wanted a classic steel frame, and curves weren't part of that classic design. What changed your mind?

alessandro

11-10-2016, 02:32 PM

Cicli

11-10-2016, 02:37 PM

Still, of all the framebuilders, in all the towns, in all the world, what made you walk into David's a second time?

Did you see that bike?

Stunning is the word.

Clydesdale

11-10-2016, 02:54 PM

Thanks for posting

FlashUNC

11-10-2016, 03:01 PM

Brendan I have to ask, why the Enve fork?

The race bike bit I get, but surely the esteemed Mr Kirk could have had a steel fork that did a hammerfest machine justice?

Tickdoc

11-10-2016, 03:03 PM

Really really really nice.

bfd

11-10-2016, 03:10 PM

1980s BMW motorsport colors!

http://www.sportscaradvisors.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/bmw-3liter-csl-race-car.jpg

http://cdn.bmwblog.com/wp-content/uploads/bmw-cca-laguna-seca-01.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g109/cyclexpressions/motorsport%20decals/IMG_1605.jpg

Good Luck!

nrs5000

11-10-2016, 04:07 PM

Super rad.

shovelhd

11-10-2016, 04:33 PM

Love it. Be proud.

vqdriver

11-10-2016, 04:38 PM

Dave might be the single most pleasant human being on the planet. He's technically masterful, but his heart is even more outstanding.

i don't know that i've read a better endorsement for a framebuilder.
cool bike

Johnnyg

11-10-2016, 04:42 PM

lovely build wow. King Ti Cages perhaps .....just sayin. Enjoy

ptourkin

11-10-2016, 05:05 PM

That's a lot of taping. I hope you sent young Mr. Pucci some beer.
(nice secret detail at the bottom of the DT)

Gorgeous.

Brendan Quirk

11-10-2016, 05:05 PM

OK, I failed reading comprehension--this is your second Kirk, and the first one must have had the straight stays. Still, of all the framebuilders, in all the towns, in all the world, what made you walk into David's a second time?

I bought a 2nd Kirk because I found my 1st one to be outstanding, and I knew I could get many of the same qualities while getting a completely different bike. I now have one tank, and one racer.

Brendan Quirk

11-10-2016, 05:07 PM

Brendan I have to ask, why the Enve fork?

The race bike bit I get, but surely the esteemed Mr Kirk could have had a steel fork that did a hammerfest machine justice?

I went with Enve on this one because I have a steel Kirk fork on my first one. The weight difference is gigantic, and it seemed worthwhile since I wanted this bike to be a race bike. That said, I love my Kirk with the steel fork because of what it adds to the ride & to my peace of mind b/c of its durability.

tiretrax

11-10-2016, 05:35 PM

That is a gorgeous bike! Congratulations to all that brought it from an idea to reality.

FlashUNC

11-10-2016, 05:41 PM

I went with Enve on this one because I have a steel Kirk fork on my first one. The weight difference is gigantic, and it seemed worthwhile since I wanted this bike to be a race bike. That said, I love my Kirk with the steel fork because of what it adds to the ride & to my peace of mind b/c of its durability.

:beer:

John H.

11-10-2016, 05:42 PM

I'd love to see pics of the 1st one.

SPOKE

11-10-2016, 05:54 PM

I'll echo Brendan's comments. I'm on my 3rd Kirk (4th one still in the box waiting to be built). Dave just builds wonderful riding bikes. His construction skills are only equaled by a few peers. His understanding of how to select tubes and spec geometry to meet a customers goals is unsurpassed. His lead times & pricing are reasonable for the quality and desire to keep the customer informed of progress on their frame is outstanding. Bottom line....purchase from Dave with complete confidence.

Brendan Quirk

11-10-2016, 05:56 PM

I'd love to see pics of the 1st one.

Hi, two albums on Flickr:

1) This is the 1st Kirk under construction: https://www.flickr.com/photos/37220746@N06/albums/72157633263379121

2) And this is the finished article: https://www.flickr.com/photos/37220746@N06/albums/72157635847662994

beeatnik

11-10-2016, 06:13 PM

I'm not seeing the American Airlines graphic references. However, I like that bika's innovative American handicraft style.

merckx

11-10-2016, 07:09 PM

I like the tank, turret and all.

jasonification

11-10-2016, 07:27 PM

Hi, two albums on Flickr:

1) This is the 1st Kirk under construction: https://www.flickr.com/photos/37220746@N06/albums/72157633263379121

2) And this is the finished article: https://www.flickr.com/photos/37220746@N06/albums/72157635847662994

that thing looks amazing

markoprotic

11-10-2016, 07:38 PM

Peter P.

11-10-2016, 08:51 PM

You sir, have a flair for tastefully done yet eyecatching paint jobs.

I, on the other hand, could 'eff up a fingerpainting.

MattTuck

11-10-2016, 09:07 PM

Sweet!

I'd love to get another Kirk! Rarified air to own two masterpieces.

pdmtong

11-11-2016, 01:27 AM

I have a similar metal set up

1) A lugged tank with steel fork and 2) a go fast with carbon fork Both from the same builder

Both great Nice they are different. I get why you got Kirk #2

When Dave posted the pic in the Builders Spotlight I had a suspicion this was yours.

I appreciate the practicality of the build (as opposed to some over the top exotic indulgence). Just right.

Love the aesthetic and its nuances. Chapeau!

dgauthier

11-11-2016, 09:10 AM

Gorgeous. Terrific details. A knockout in every way. I agree with earlier comments that you need fancier bar tape for this beauty.

I just searched through all your posts, Brendan, looking for pictures of your first Kirk, and couldn't find any. Could I cajole you into posting pictures of that one too?

Brendan Quirk

11-11-2016, 09:58 AM

alexstar

11-11-2016, 12:39 PM

Well done, the bike looks incredible! :beer:

chiasticon

11-11-2016, 12:54 PM

this thing just rules. beautiful frame design, incredible paint, perfect build, baller wheels... love it.

dgauthier

11-12-2016, 11:02 AM

Right here!

https://www.flickr.com/photos/37220746@N06/sets/72157635847662994

Thanks! Let me just have a look here . . .

OH MY GOD!

That one takes the cake, maybe because yellow and red are my favorite color combination for a bike. It's like a Ferrari: a beautiful piece of art that's meant to be used hard.

You have a knack for designing bikes. Both are tremendous for sure.

Keith A

11-12-2016, 11:17 AM

I've always wanted to get a custom Kirk made for me and you may have just pushed me over the edge! Your bike is exactly what I would want from Dave.

bobswire

11-12-2016, 11:22 AM

I'm not seeing the American Airlines graphic references. However, I like that bika's innovative American handicraft style.

http://i64.tinypic.com/xm8twi.jpg

I believe he was referring to this,though I like the design concept on the Kirk better.

oldpotatoe

11-13-2016, 06:36 AM

this thing just rules. beautiful frame design, incredible paint, perfect build, baller wheels... love it.

Plus 1...

merckx

11-13-2016, 06:42 AM

this thing just rules. beautiful frame design, incredible paint, perfect build, baller wheels... love it.

Plus many more.

charliedid

11-13-2016, 08:42 AM

Great looking bike...but with respect to the blue tape, it must go.

White tape without question. That or black saddle and black tape, that paint job deserves more respect :-)

bobswire

11-13-2016, 09:18 AM

Great looking bike...but with respect to the blue tape, it must go.

White tape without question. That or black saddle and black tape, that paint job deserves more respect :-)

Agreed,after all it's a race bike. BTW I agree with alessandro
and miss your well-written missives on Competitive Cyclist. I very seldom venture there any longer.