Quirk Cycles, the London-based bespoke bicycle manufacturer, has unveiled the Kegety steel gravel frameset, a testament to their commitment to precision engineering and innovative design. This new offering marks a significant evolution in Quirk’s production approach, transitioning from fully custom builds to small-batch, stock-geometry framesets.
A Legacy of Innovation
Founded in 2015 by Rob Quirk, the company has consistently pushed the boundaries of bicycle design. The Kegety frameset draws inspiration from Quirk’s extensive experience in crafting custom frames, particularly those designed for challenging terrains. Rob Quirk reflects, “I originally designed the Kegety for the inaugural Silk Road Mountain Race, to explore how capable a gravel bike could be on genuinely rough terrain. I learnt a lot from that experience, and it shaped a bike that marries stability with responsiveness when the terrain becomes truly demanding.”
Design and Construction
The Kegety frameset is constructed using Columbus Life steel tubing, renowned for its strength and durability. Quirk enhances this foundation with their proprietary 3D-printed stainless steel components, including the head tube, seat tube cluster, and dropouts. This integration of 3D printing technology allows for cleaner transitions, refined cable paths, and precise interfaces, resulting in a more coherent and responsive frame. As Quirk explains, “We use 3D-printed stainless steel parts because it lets us make better details.” (quirkcycles.com)
Performance and Compatibility
Designed with versatility in mind, the Kegety offers 50mm tire clearance, accommodating a wide range of gravel tires. It is compatible exclusively with 1x electronic groupsets, featuring a Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH) and a T47 bottom bracket for enhanced stiffness and durability. Mudguard mounts are included, ensuring the bike is ready for all-weather adventures.
Collaborations and Future Endeavors
Quirk Cycles continues to collaborate with industry leaders to refine their designs. The Kegety frameset is equipped with an ENVE Gravel In-Route fork and cockpit, both colour-matched to the frame, with three colour options available. This partnership underscores Quirk’s dedication to integrating high-quality components that complement their frames’ performance and aesthetics.
Availability and Pricing
The Kegety frameset is available for purchase, with dispatch scheduled for October. The frameset is priced at £4,999, complete with the ENVE carbon fork, ENVE In-Route Aero Stem, and Chris King AeroSet headset. For those seeking a more comprehensive build, the frame kit is priced at £5,699 and includes an ENVE Aero Road In-Route handlebar, ENVE seatpost, with full builds starting from £10,550. International customers can expect prices of $5,721 for the frameset and $12,074 for full builds, plus applicable taxes and delivery charges.
A New Chapter for Quirk Cycles
The introduction of the Kegety frameset signifies a pivotal moment for Quirk Cycles, blending their bespoke heritage with scalable production methods. This approach allows them to offer high-quality, performance-oriented frames to a broader audience while maintaining the meticulous craftsmanship that defines the brand. As Quirk continues to innovate and collaborate, the Kegety stands as a testament to their vision for the future of cycling.