Kirk JKS Classic: NAHBS 2011

[lavi]

Originally Posted by shinomaster

beautiful we need to ride soon!

Amen dude. Text me. Let's ride this week.

[tv_vt]

I know we're not supposed to ask, but do you know what the Kirk weighs? Just curious what a newish large steel bike comes in at. Looking for some comparisons to a couple of '90's Merckx frames I'm enjoying that are hovering around 20 lbs +/-.

[JasonF]

Originally Posted by tv_vt

I know we're not supposed to ask, but do you know what the Kirk weighs? Just curious what a newish large steel bike comes in at. Looking for some comparisons to a couple of '90's Merckx frames I'm enjoying that are hovering around 20 lbs +/-.

My Kirk JKS (54cm top tube) came in @ 19lbs with not trying any weight reduction...the Seven with carbon fork (w/carbon steerer) came in 1lb lighter. Same wheels, tires, tubes, saddle, seatpost, cockpit, pedals, cages, frame pump, etc...




Only difference was Kirk had mid-reach brakes (slightly heavier) vs. Ultegra calipers on the Seven. Also, the Kirk had older Campy Record vs. newest Ultegra group on the Seven.

I was actually surprised that the Kirk (a bigger bike) was only 1lb heavier (maybe a few Record bits helped). With not a lot of effort I bet sub-18lb is easily achievable, esp. since the scale includes a small frame pump. Heck, different bars, latex tubes, and some Boras and I'm there.

And to be honest, Dave's perfectly matched fork to the frame is simply....

[Kirk007]

Originally Posted by tv_vt

I know we're not supposed to ask, but do you know what the Kirk weighs? Just curious what a newish large steel bike comes in at. Looking for some comparisons to a couple of '90's Merckx frames I'm enjoying that are hovering around 20 lbs +/-.

Some reference points: My Tom Kellogg with steel fork, dura ace di2 and dura ace c40 tubulars is around 19.5, with pedals, cages etc. My 2 previous Kirks were in the low 19 lb range as was the 63cm R Sachs that I briefly owned. My Kirk Onesto disc with Enve CX fork is around 19.5. I think Dave posted that his new personal Onesto with steel fork, 1x Red axs group and 38mm tires (I think on Hed Belgium rims) was around 17.5! My former Marcelo with enve carbon fork and dura ace mechanical, reasonably light alloy wheels was around 17.5-18.

[lavi]

It's likely the fork that really ups the weight (if that matters) on these. And, I'll take these steel forks all. day. long. over a carbon fork for these application.

I had 2 MXLs. The Belgian Buick is a very fine machine. The "new" breed of steel is better. And lighter.

[lavi]

Update: got WTO 45s for this rig. It's my fav looking bike of all time.

As a good buddy says: "WTOs are like riding with a constant tailwind!". I agree. Note: this is my (embarrassing) 4th set of WTOs...so I'm well aware and, obviously, a fan of the wheels.

Hoping to get some miles asap. Now that the rains are upon us in the lovely PNW, it may be some time before I get any substantial miles on it. So, I'll just stare at it in my garage.

[Kirk007]

Looks great! I may need some WTOs in a few months myself ....

[AngryScientist]

Looking fantastic.

What tires do you have on there and are you running them tubeless?

[lavi]

Originally Posted by AngryScientist

Looking fantastic.

What tires do you have on there and are you running them tubeless?

Thank you. I really dig it. It makes me miss summer!


Tires are RH 28 XL.

No tubeless for me with this tire width. I could be completely off base, but tubeless <32 at my size (~200lbs)(with a desire to not touch brakes when going downhill) makes me nervous. My concerns may be completely baseless...but I don't worry about blowing the front tire off with tubes in there.

[AngryScientist]

My experience agrees with you. Anything under 32mm tubes works. Maybe some latex tubes in those sexy wheels though. I just mounted up some Challenge Stradas in 27mm with latex tubes and the ride is sublime.

[lavi]

Originally Posted by AngryScientist

My experience agrees with you. Anything under 32mm tubes works. Maybe some latex tubes in those sexy wheels though. I just mounted up some Challenge Stradas in 27mm with latex tubes and the ride is sublime.

It's true. Latex with the RH XL is a bit of a pampered affair. I have latex in the front.

And a stack of latex tubes to try and patch.

I seem to like wrecking latex tubes when doing tire changes. It's a bit of an idiot tax having to repeatedly buy them.

[madsciencenow]

Wow! Love what you did with this rig!! The 45s look like the right call and I'm not sad to still have my 33s. What is the stem and are you planning to keep the cages or are you thinking about some mandibles?

[lavi]

Originally Posted by madsciencenow

Wow! Love what you did with this rig!! The 45s look like the right call and I'm not sad to still have my 33s. What is the stem and are you planning to keep the cages or are you thinking about some mandibles?

Yo! Ya. In my mind I was thinking the 45s would appear deeper than they do. I'm happy. Nothing at all wrong with the 33s! I figured I'd go for a little more aero with this purchase. At my size, cross winds likely won't be any issue.

The stem is a buddy's from when he was trying the bike. It's the Bontrager contraption with mounts for garmin and a light. I'll be going back to my more svelte, and shiny, Spec sworks stem that was previously mounted.

Not sure on cages. The stainless sure went well with the alloy wheels. I do have a set of mandibles sitting on the shelf. I'll likely give 'em a try. Though I do think the stainless cages keep the it looking "light"...instead of so much black. We'll see.

[many_styles]

Originally Posted by lavi

Update: got WTO 45s for this rig. It's my fav looking bike of all time.

As a good buddy says: "WTOs are like riding with a constant tailwind!". I agree. Note: this is my (embarrassing) 4th set of WTOs...so I'm well aware and, obviously, a fan of the wheels.

Hoping to get some miles asap. Now that the rains are upon us in the lovely PNW, it may be some time before I get any substantial miles on it. So, I'll just stare at it in my garage.

Oof, that. Is. Fire. Jeff!


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[d_douglas]

Well, thats just gorgeous! Another stunning Kirk to ogle. Love the campy too - it’s perfect in form and function …