What's new at Kirk Frameworks...

February 2008 - Kirk Frameworks frame wins best fillet brazed bicyle at the 2008 North American Handbuilt Bicycle Show The 2008 edition of the North American Handbuilt Bicycle Show was held in Portland, Oregon. The bikes that we displayed at the show were all actual customer bikes whose owners generously allowed us to show them at NAHBS before taking delivery of their bikes. Among the bikes in the booth was the debut of the new JK Special. We also had an unpainted frame on display which provided a glimpse of the craftsmanship that lies below the paint jobs. Of course, Joe Bell’s crisp and creative paint work was a big hit as well. We enjoyed meeting many customers, enthusiasts and friends, as well as taking in the other fine work represented at the show. Exhibitors selected their picks for the top bikes in several different categories, and we are proud that a Kirk Frameworks frame won the prize for best fillet brazed bicycle. The custom frame was made to order for a customer in Miami, Florida.
January 2008 - Introducing the JK Special, the Kirk Frameworks dedicated race bike Want the best of both worlds? This is a lightweight, lively race bike that retains the supple feel that only steel can offer. To achieve this blend of characteristics, each tube was handpicked from several different tubing manufacturers. This frame uses race-oriented geometry and is paired with a Reynolds carbon fork or a lightweight steel fork. Read more about the JK Special
August 2007 - Photo contest winners Our contest winners are Grant Cornett and H. Frank Breshear, with a handful of outstanding runners-up: Mary Ann Martin (photo pictured here), Jeff Gardner, Oliver Slesar and David Grey. Thanks to everyone who sent in their photos; we will all get to enjoy them on our website over the coming months.
July 2007 - More payment options Kirk Frameworks now accepts credit card and PayPal payments. See the prices and ordering page for details.
Kirk Frameworks photography contest Submit your favorite photos featuring Kirk Frames. Read about the contest details. The deadline is July 31, so get snapping!
May 2007 - Faster turnaround time for new frames In an effort to keep my lead times for a frameset to a minimum I've been focusing quite a bit of time, effort and money over the past few months streamlining my ordering and production processes. My production now includes a number of new tools that allow for the same precision as always, but in less time. I'm now using a brand-new Anvil tacking jig, which allows me to set up each custom frame in about half the time I used to take doing it manually. I have also built new bending tools for creating the curved Terraplane seat stays, and the result is a smooth, consistent bend in far less time. I have also constructed some new machining and denting tools. There are also new order forms and software to reduce my time spent in front of the computer. The net result is that the new production process is a joy to use and now some of my time is freed up so I can spend more time fussing over all the little details like I like to do. It's been an effort well spent and things are flowing through the shop faster and cleaner than ever before. The real benefit to you the customer is the wait for a frame has gotten much shorter. As of late May I'm now projecting a turn around time of just 5 months for a new frameset. So if you are thinking of a new frame for cross season, a late fall tour or a shiny new bike for this coming Christmas now is the time to place your order. I look forward to being able to provide you with faster service because if you are anything like I am, once I decide I want something I can't get it soon enough. Please feel free to give a call or send and email to talk about your new ride. Thanks for reading, Dave
March 2007 - Kirk Jerseys are here! The inaugural Kirk jersey design features our customers' favorite colors of deep blue and burnt orange. The look is classic and understated, while still being stylish and fun. See the accessories page for all the details or to place an order.
March 2007 - New Terraplane decal Beginning in March 2007, customers who order the Terraplane seat stays can add a Terraplane top tube decal. The decal is available in all of the same colors as our standard decals. See the decal gallery for complete information on all decal options.
Kirk Frameworks at the 2007 North American Handbuilt Bicycle Show Dave Kirk and Carl Strong had neighboring booths at the 2007 show in San Jose, CA. Read Dave's summary of the Handbuilt Bicycle Show.
Grand Opening of the Kirk Frameworks accessories store Now you can shop online for your favorite Kirk accessories. We have new t-shirt colors, cute women's shirts and baseball caps.
Photos from summer 2005 Giro di Bozeman Photos from left to right: Playing with Dave's kinetic, bike-inspired sculpture; Tom decked out and ready to ride (photo by Rob V.); "Dave's Angels" Amanda, Karin and Mary Ann (photo by Rob V.); Dave does show and tell in the shop. Click to enlarge.
Article on fitting and geometry What separates a bike that handles perfectly from an ordinary stock bike? Read about the philosophy of the Kirk Frameworks fitting and design process. "Designing a frame that will fit you perfectly and handle well is not rocket science but it's not simple either..." read full article The article resides on the Fitting page.
Kirk frame wins state 'cross championships Kirk Frameworks customer E.J. Sigety successfully defended his state masters cyclocross title at the Pennsylvania State Championships. He reports his Kirk frame has weathered the tough season and has endured a few crashes. Over the winter, E.J.'s frame came back to the Frameworks for a little rehab. photo by KeystoneBiking.com
The Terraplane becomes Kirk Frameworks best-selling option! The curved seatstays of the Terraplane allow a small amount of vertical movement and are designed to keep the rear tire in firm and constant contact with the surface. Each set of stays is bent by hand to a given radius determined by the size and weight of the rider and the intended use of the bike. The feel and stiffness of the frame is regulated by the amount of bend in the stays. Heavy riders generally would have less bend to allow less movement. Lighter riders would have more bend and more travel. With the Terraplane option you'll feel more confident cornering and descending, and you'll enjoy true all day comfort. The Terraplane option is available with both fillet brazed and lugged bikes and with most any type of brake system.
Welcome, Joe Bell We are pleased to announce that all Kirk frames are now being painted by Joe Bell Bicycle Refinishing. JB is widely considered to be among the finest bicycle painters in the world, and he's a nice guy to boot. We feel that JB's meticulous craftsmanship and years of experience with high-end bikes makes him the perfect match for Kirk Frameworks. We would also like to acknowledge the fine paint work done by Cycle Fantasy. They provided us with great paint jobs and friendly service, and we wish them all the best.
Frame Flex I'd like to share my thoughts about frame flex with you, as I believe this is a widely misunderstood topic. These are thoughts and conclusions that I have come to after 15 years of being a professional builder and 25 years as a serious cyclist. Click here to read the article. This article has also been added to the specs/philosophy section of this website and will reside there permanently.
Stems Now you can complete your Kirk bike with a custom stem, or you can get a stem for your existing bike. Kirk stems are fillet brazed steel, and are available in nearly any length, angle, or color.