Sheldon Brown, a great man, a cycling enthusiast, bike mechanic extraordinaire, and a great resource of cycling information, has died of a massive heart attack, as reported on his bike shop's website, Harris Cyclery.
I was introduced to Sheldon's website, like many people, by trying to figure out how to fix my bicycle. I had a roommate who was into classic steel lugged bikes and got me on it. I also had the help of various mechanics at the Community Bicycle Network with a wealth of cycling knowledge who would also point me to the website for various arcana of bike mechanics. Need to dish your wheel? Wondering what the inside of an old Sturmey Archer 3 speed hub looks like? Sheldon Brown was the person to turn to, and still will be for some time, I believe.
I first came for the bike mechanics, but stayed for the wealth of information about his trips, family, humour and other interests that got me wanting to meet this interesting fellow. Alas, it shall now only be through words and photos.
Comments
Darren_S
Very sad.
Mon, 02/04/2008 - 21:38Relied on his website many of times to figure out which side is up.
John (not verified)
He knew everything bicycle-related
Mon, 02/04/2008 - 22:25He was a real bicycle guru. I've never seen a better site for what I call "bicycle theory." He really thought through everything about bicycles to let you know what works best in every situation. I've spent hours reading through various articles on his page, learning the finer points of bicycle minutia. Other websites will tell you how to fix your bike, but Sheldon's site will tell you why what you're doing is important.
And he has everything on there, no matter how obscure -- even an article detailing the merits and drawbacks of BioPace chainrings on fixed gear bikes! He knew all kinds of bikes, inside and out.
I too, am somewhat disappointed I'll never meet him.
hamish (not verified)
too soon
Mon, 02/04/2008 - 22:56sigh, too close, too soon.
darren
Condolences to his family
Tue, 02/05/2008 - 15:01Most of what I know about bike repair is from his site. I wish I had thanked him. He saved me on many late nights when I found myself with my bicycle spread out around my living room.
In 2006, the Bike Show, a bicycle radio show from the UK, visited Sheldon Brown while touring the USA on a fixed gear bike. It's in a segment of the 26 June show..
-dj
jnyyz
A true friend to all bicyclists
Tue, 02/05/2008 - 16:15I remember once talking to him on the phone when ordering a wheel for a fixie, and I picked an inexpensive hub, saying that it was only for my commuting, and he told me in no uncertain terms that commuting is the most important riding that you can do. I was lucky to meet him at a recumbent event about three years ago (where I also met Vic for the first time). He was every bit as informative and delightful in person.
Luke (not verified)
The man continues to
Tue, 02/05/2008 - 21:25The man continues to inspire, may we all be so accomplished. As sad is his passing, I can't help but rejoice in a life so well lived.
Tone (not verified)
We'll miss Sheldon
Wed, 02/06/2008 - 12:42For a man I never met or even emailed, Sheldon Brown has has a real impact on my life.
I'd never even heard of a fixed gear road bike when I stumbled across his site a few years back -- now a "reclaimed" Raliegh fixed gear conversion is my main steed of choice.
But, more importantly, Sheldon was inspiring. His passion for cycling of all kinds was infectious and he was a real inspiration to people like me who don't race find joy in the simple act of climbing aboard and making those pedals turn.
We'll miss you, Sheldon!
egcskates (not verified)
Inspiring
Mon, 02/18/2008 - 18:26After an exhaustive search on the net for anything about carbon fiber construction, it was Sheldon Brown that saw the future in this material. Damon Rinard wrote about his experiences constructing bicycles out of carbon fiber, but when he couldn't keep the info online, it was Sheldon Brown that realized the importance and value of the information and kept it alive.
Due to the efforts of Brown and Rinard, I was able to learn and work with the materials and came back to his internet articles time and time again to solve problems. A little part of every skate boot I make is inspired by Brown and Rinard.
He will be missed.