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My name is Frank Briscoe. As you can tell from the title, I’m an old guy with an extreme passion for bicycling.
4 Comments
David Coleman
January 9, 2016Hi Frank,
You and I met recently at Naples Cyclery. My wife and I are teachers in Seoul and are planning a TransAmerica (Northern Tier) trip. I discussed touring bikes with you and the fact that there seems to be a lack of availability when it comes to test-riding them.
Anyway, we wanted to know if you had any thoughts regarding Titanium vs. Steel? Do you have any experience with titanium frames? Also, it would be great if we could get a list of what you ride… Frame, components, saddle, racks, etc…
Thanks in advance.
With Optimism,
David
Frank Briscoe
January 10, 2016Hi David,
I remember you quite well and look forward to hearing about your adventures past and future.
I’d stay with aluminum frame as it can be repaired easily most anywhere in the world. Titanium, will still break and the ride isn’t much smoother than steel in my opinion. i purchased the front and rear racks from Surly and they have served me well. Saddle is a most definitely a personal preference, no matter what anyone tells you, pick a saddle you are comfortable on not what someone else says is the greatest. I have over 30 saddles ranging from $20.00-300.00 and the least expensive gave me the best ride while the $300 the worse. Go for the best panniers you can afford, Ortlieb is the the standard and most widely used. I use and recommend a synthetic sleeping bag (temperature rating based on when and where you travel)over down. I opt for a 40 degree bag and use a twin bed sheet and a fleece liner, many times sleeping under one or the other only using all 3 on cold nights. For a sleeping pad, I pamper myself with a Big Agnes rectangular a chore to inflate but well worth it to these old bones. I carry two water bottles and wear a hydration pack, never can have too much water on hand. I carry one spare tire and two spare tubes with several patch kits. Duck tape, tie straps and bungee cords are all helpful to have as well as a few basic hand tools for repairs.
It’s getting late and I have to work tomorrow so going to close for the night. Please feel free to ask me for any additional questions regards to gear as I have not listed everything I carry with me, such as clothes, tent, food and etc.
Until next time, always your friend, The Old Guy on a Bicycle
Mike
December 12, 2013Saw you purchased a ballistic knife kit off amazon back in March.
Just wondering how much you paid, and if you knew where to find any more as that amazon seller is out of stock.
Thanks,
-Mike
Frank Briscoe
December 12, 2013Hi Mike,
Thank you for contacting me. I didn’t purchase a Ballistic knife I sold a couple I had purchased years ago, the company which sold them discontinued the product over 20 years ago. I had bought the knife as it intrigued me, now that I’m retired sold it to fund my bicycle adventures. Sorry couldn’t be of more help to you. Oh yea, I sold my knife for about $400.00 in new unused condition.