Kirk JKS

[lavi]

I nabbed this from akmonkey here a few weeks back. Score!

All I have to say is wow. Ok, maybe a bit more. It's great to be back on some awesome steel with Campag mech, rim brake action. So so so good. I mean really really awesome steel. I have no way of going back and making any direct comparos. However, I do think this is the finest steel I have tasted. Those other being (with zero offense): custom geo (for me) '08 Speedvagen, Merckx Motorola MXL (the Belgian Buick), 2 diff RS Signature road frames (not made for me). This bike shines.

I have admired David Kirk's work for a very long time. His insights on so many things are also a treasure trove. He, and his creations, are jems. We are lucky to live/ride during his reign. I read the story about the JKS frame a long time ago...it always stuck with me. When this frame came up, I pretty much had to pull the trigger. The fit is...spot. on. I don't know if it could be made better in terms of fit. I may ask Dave about the frame at some point to see about the rider it was made for (hammer, gentle lover [like myself], rouleur, etc). I remember a decade or so ago when he moved to the paint scheme that is on this bike. I dug it then...and I do now.

Anyhow, my fav enable Dr. Clean39T hooked a brother up on a crispy Campag Chorus 12s gruppo and Zonda C17s. Gracias homie. I did being back on mech Campagnolo.
Ryun's recent Kirk didn't help much.

I have one short, 20 mile shakedown ride under the belt. This one is gonna be a good. Fit, again, is excellent. Handling manners are racey (read awesome). Not twitchy. Stiffness is good while not overly so.

I'm just a happy, lucky dood. I'd like to buy the world a Coke and smile.

Specs:

Toptube = 57.5cm
Seattube = 54.5cm
Slope = 5*
Headtube = 191.7mm
Chainstay = 413mm
BB drop = 75mm
HTA = 72.8*
STA = 73.0*
Rake = 46mm, 1" steerer

[jkbrwn]

Pictures puh-lease!

I reckon those Zonda's may have come from me if they're de-stickered. Lemme know if anything goes wrong with 'em an I can contact PBK for you.

[lavi]

Originally Posted by jkbrwn

Pictures puh-lease!

I reckon those Zonda's may have come from me if they're de-stickered. Lemme know if anything goes wrong with 'em an I can contact PBK for you.

They very well may have.

Pics incoming.

[lavi]

Will follow with more scenic, non-basement shots in time.

I dig all the little highlights and pin striping in the paint! I believe this was a re-spray powder coat by Spectrum Powder in CO. No idea what the original JB paint looked like.

Oh. And the fast back chainstay/seat binder. Yes!!!

[jkbrwn]

Friggin superb. Great, great stuff.

[Clean39T]

Originally Posted by jkbrwn

Pictures puh-lease!

I reckon those Zonda's may have come from me if they're de-stickered. Lemme know if anything goes wrong with 'em an I can contact PBK for you.

They did but I'm calling them back in a swaperoo for some that'll fit a bit better.. I have a way of giving things away. Easy come/go. It's part of my ___ease.

[Clean39T]

So much perfect. I'm stoked to come ride this one sometime soon. I'll bring a 130 stem and a setback post. We can party.

You're definitely onto something with Dave's work. It's special. Those who know know.

[d_douglas]

Ahhh, gorgeous - I was eyeing this up as well. Nice choice to nab it. It looks perfect. I need to visit!

[lavi]

Originally Posted by Clean39T

So much perfect. I'm stoked to come ride this one sometime soon. I'll bring a 130 stem and a setback post. We can party.

You're definitely onto something with Dave's work. It's special. Those who know know.

What’s mine is yours. I have a 130 and sb post queued and ready.

[Mike V]

Nice looking bike. I like the WWII stockings seams!

[Hilltopperny]

Well Done Lavi! I have had a few pass through my hands over the years and if I were to get another steel bike it would be a Kirk. The ride, look and overall craftsmanship is tough to beat!


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[madsciencenow]

A JKS is hard to beat, imho. I’m glad to hear you like it and wish you many happy miles of riding. Awesome build choices and something about mech Campy feels sooo-right!! Enjoy!!


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[herb5998]

Looks great! Glad you are enjoying the bike so much, and that the fit is spot on for you.

The paint looks incredible, love that shade of blue, as well as all the small details.

[Kirk007]

Congrats! I've had three great Kirks pass through and definitely have ideas in mind for my definitive Kirk in the future.

[lavi]

Thanks all! And ya, the Campy ergos just feel great in the hands. I'm still a super fan of eTap...but nothing beats the feeling of Campy levers. The curve of the brake levers is just perfect when riding on the hoods.

Next up is a quick swap to some HED Belgiums laced to Record hubs just to get a little more rubber on the road. After that, this one is pretty much done.

It's funny to think that after all the time of riding bikes, trying different frame materials and technologies, that a steel, mech actuated gear changing, rim brakes, reasonable width tires, with tried and true geo can feel about as good as it gets. It really is a simple thing this bicycle riding.

Now, I just need to dry weather, or a portal to Malibu! I just wanna long day in the Santa Monica Mtns culminating with a stop at Nep's Net!