To me the biggest difference is that John Kirk is readily available on the other end of a telephone line and is really nice to talk to. His frames are a basic at $1850 single color, and during the Winter, at least, have only a 6 weeks turn around time.
I believe he is absolutely the future of American bike building!
Now all that said, his bikes are really beautiful, also.
"Oh ya, and he's American, too", Tom said, knowing full well he was bringing down the wrath of the house on his head.
http://www.kirkframeworks.com/