The Golden Gate Bridge is iconic. One of the world’s most recognizable landmarks, it lies a mere 3.5km as the crow flies from the front door of Above Category. Millions of tourists, onlookers, and passersby stand slack-jawed at the sight of its massive span strung between two massive, ruddy coral towers of Art Deco-hewn steel. It’s an endearing symbol of the engineering prowess of humanity and of functional art, one of our most closely-held values. To see it on a bicycle frame, painted by one of the masters of his class? It tugs at our heartstrings.
Meet our Bike of the Week – a David Kirk JK Special painted by none other than Dario Pegoretti and built by Above Category. No, we don’t sell Kirk’s lovely bikes. No, Dario won’t paint your frame. Don’t. Ask. But, you’re allowed to ogle. And so are we.
Assembled to exacting standards, this Kirkoretti was a long-time coming, a culmination of little touches too numerous to count, a collaboration between Above Category and a very discerning client. The custom-finished fi’zi:k R1 seatpost and Deda Superleggera stem/bars all pay homage to the contributors on the project: Above Category, Kirk Frameworks, and Dario Pegoretti. The Campagnolo Super Record groupset is complemented by a matching 1″ headset, and the polished White Industries hubset laced to Zipp 202 rims with silver spokes sends the build to another level, especially when the wheels are wrapped in Vittoria’s new classy Corsa rubber. The matching Royce titanium skewers and stainless King cages are the icing on a very decadent, well thought-out cake.
The cockpit is finished with custom Busyman kangaroo leather handlebar tape and a matching recovered fi’zi:k Antares R1 saddle.
Campagnolo’s Record headset is a perfect match for a headtube size we don’t see that often anymore.
Terraplane seatstays. The Bridge. Dario. It’s enough to make a grown adult swoon. As always, thanks for viewing – and see you next week.
Check out our visit to Dario’s workshop in Italy from last Fall for more Pegoretti content.
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