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(July 14, 1944 - February 3, 2008)
cyclist, ambassador, more
Sheldon
Respects
Eulogies
Obituaries
- by rob hawks
- by forbes bagatelle-black
- by plum
- in the boston globe
- on anarchocyclist.ca
- on belgium knee warmers
- on bent ride online
- on bicycle fixation
- on bike biz
- on bike friday
- on bike portland
- on bike radar
- on bike retailer
- on bike snob nyc
- on bikemagic.com
- on blacknell.net
- on chico gino
- on cyclelicio.us
- on cycleninja
- on cycling finial
- on cyclingedinburgh.info
- on dane 101
- on drumbent
- on harris cyclery
- on interbike
- on invisible summer
- on make zine
- on metrocyclist
- on patch
- on pedal revolutionary radio
- on see a puffin eat a fish
- on sfcyclotouring
- on south of the golden gate
- on the cycling curmugeon
- on underwire, via wired
- on universal hub
- on velonews
630 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 400 of 630 Newer› Newest»I never had the pleasure of meeting Sheldon, but he taught me how to build my first wheel and guided me through many more as well as answering numerous technical questions about bike related stuff. He was a remarkable individual and he will be missed.
My helmet's off to you Sheldon.
Seems strange to me that someone I never met has helped me so often. Thank you Sheldon.
Many times when there was a particular and/or out of the ordinary problem with my bike or bike parts, I would search and search for the answers and advice.
The search often ended up with Sheldon Brown where the answers were finally found. You will be missed. Thank you, condolences to family and friends, and may you rest in peace. God bless you.
B.
Sheldon showed me through his writings that I could work on my own bike and now I'm a mechanic.
He will be missed.
Thanks to Sheldon I built my first wheels and found cog/chainwheel combinations that I still love. He was a gift to gearheads and I will miss him. I hope his website continues along with his wisdom.
Even though I had never met Sheldon, I read much of the information on his various web sites and it led me to inescapable conclusion that he was one of the good guys. My condolences to the Brown family. Your "good guy" will be sorely missed by the cycling community.
He was an inspiration! A sad loss to the bike world.
I hope his website is maintained in his honour.
Many thanks to you Sheldon.
Your passion, wit, knowledge and humanity will never be forgotten.
My sincere condolences to the family.
I can't say that I'm that good of a bike mechanic, but I wouldn't know ANYTHING if it wasn't for Sheldon. Your wit, insight, and passion will be missed.
His web site made the world a better place to bicycle in. Godspeed.
Sheldon gave so much knowledge and inspiration. It is amazing how many people he managed to touch in his full life. I hope we all learn to pass it forward like he did. You will be missed but always remembered.
Rest In Peace. You Have Our Prayers
Like so many others, what I know of bicycle repair I owe to Sheldon Brown. Like so many others, I never had the pleasure to meet him, but received technical support via email as though he were a treasured friend. For someone of his skill and experience to provide such widespread access to knowledge demonstrates an incredible and rare dedication to egalitarianism.
Sheldon, the world is a better place for your efforts.
rest in peace and godspeed on a 5.77 gain ratio.
rest in peace sheldon, the countless people whom you have inspired ride forever in your honor.
thanks for everything.
To hear of his passing saddens me greatly. I've learned so much from him over the years from his posts on USENET to his Articles on the Harris Cyclery website I couldn't even begin to express my thanks or my debt to him as a teacher.
The world is a poorer place having lost him.
You'll be missed, a lot.
I learnt a lot from you.
respect to Sheldon.
My condolences to the Brown family.
I did not know Sheldon but loved the personality that came out in his web pages - brave, smart, silly, serious; I learned more than I thought possible about bikes from his writing. His generosity and knowledge will be an inspiration for years to come. Chapeau!
i didn't know sheldon personally, but felt as if we were close personal friends. his intimate style and fount of knowledge served as a beacon in more ways that one. i hope sheldon's site and information will remain online -- it's timeless and serves as an ongoing legacy of this wonderful man.
The cycling community without a doubt is all the poorer without Sheldon Brown. Yet, despite his physicial absence, he leaves behind one of the most profound legacies one can contribute: an encyclopedic knowledge which he willingly, cheerily bestowed upon anyone interested in drinking from his vast pool of knowledge. I am grateful for having the opportunity to learn from him and be given a few tips directly by e-mail.
Thank you, Sheldon! You certainly make this world a better place!
My sincerest condoleneces to his family, loved ones and close friends.
-philipp
About ten years ago I was doing an internet search to get info on single speed conversions when I ran across Sheldon's writings.
Since then, I've been back to the site again and again, clicking on links just to read whatever I ran across.
His love of bikes was infectious and his knowledge of the history and technology was encyclopedic.
My heart goes out to his family and friends, and I mourn the loss of one of the bicycle's greatest champions.
I hope that his web site will stay open as a source of inspiration and information.
Rob Dowers
Flagstaff, AZ
My sincerest condolences to Harriet, your family, and friends.
Sheldon has been a great influence on my attitude towards cycling and in extension my life... I now commute to work daily. He was a big influence on me giving fixed gear bikes a try (which I now love). I have enjoyed our exchanges via email, forums, and other means. His humour and candor both in communication with myself as well as through out his writing continues to bring a smile to my lips and a lightening of my heart.
He was a very generous and caring person (as seen with how he gave so much of his time for one). He will continue to be an influence on how I wish to live my own life... as well as my children.
Thank you Sheldon for all you have done for us.
Sincerely,
Taylor Carpenter
The cycling community will miss him. I have benefited from his boundless knowledge that he had the generosity to share on his website.
My condolences to the family.
I stopped riding several months ago after a couple of bad experiences. I've been looking for a reason to get back on the bike ever since. Now, I have one. I have no idea when I first encountered Sheldon on the Web, but I do know I have read dozens, if not hundreds of his technical and other writings, even if I had no interest in the subject at hand. He was, in a word, special, unique, brilliant, funny, kind, generous...OK there is no ONE word that fits the bill. Sheldon: ride with joy into forever and thank you.
Thank you. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with all.
(And thanks for helping me build my first fixie wheel.)
Thoughts go out to family and friends.
Sheldon will be missed.
It was right around the turn of the century when I first happened upon the vast volumes of information written by Sheldon.
Armed with his encyclopedia of knowledge, I took on the task of building my first singlespeed with a hodgepodge of parts. His responses to my emails made me feel like he was looking over my shoulder as I toiled away in my garage.
We can all take solace in knowing that Sheldon will forever be looking over our shoulder in the garage to make make sure things come out alright. We'll miss you.
We'll miss you, Sheldon. May your humor and your love of the ride live on.
goodbye master
Through one of his articles, he helped me understand the gear ratios. I was then convinced to build my new carbon bike to be equipped with compact cranks 50/34front 11/23rear. I was still able to keep up with the big boys on the flats, and not get dropped on the hills.
Thanks for your impact on the world.
JL.
I had the good fortune to meet Sheldon several years ago while visiting my wife's relatives near Boston. He willingly took me around the shop and gave me a tour of what could only be described as the "mad bike scientist's lab" in the basement. Sheldon, and his alter-ego Carapace Completed Umber, will be sorely missed.
My most sincere condolences to the family of most important man in my career as a very amateur bicycle mechanic. His site is such a wonderful resource to everyone, I hope to god it remains.
I shall, I think, from this day foreward, wear a plastic eagle on my helmet.
Just one of surely thousands who asked for and recieved assistance from Mr. Brown via the internet.
I'd also like to say that it was entirely due to Mr. Browns enthusiastic articles on the simple joys of single speed/fixed gear riding that I changed over to this mode of cycling and in so doing re-discovered some lost enthusiasm myself.
Blessings to his family.
Tom in Florida
The passing of Mr. Brown was a great loss for all cyclists. Following his passions, he provided us with everything from technical information and advice to philosophy. The next ride's for you.
Like so many others, I also exchanged a few emails with Sheldon (in this case asking some questions about Motobecanes), and I was extremely gratified by the fact that he took the time to answer the correspondence and give me the benefit of his encyclopedic knowledge. He really did seem to love what he did, and sharing his knowledge was a gift that he was very happy to give. Truly a one-in-a-million kind of renaissance man. He will be missed like no other member of the cycling community.
RIP Sheldon.
Despite decades as a serious cyclist it was just over a year ago that I decided to build my first fixed gear for a commuter.
A friend suggested that I "google" Sheldon Brown before I started. The best single piece of advice I've ever had regarding cycling.
He will be sorely missed, but his knowledge and love of all things cycling will live forever.
My sympathies are with Sheldon's family.
I built my first wheels using Sheldon's instructions and did many, many more repairs in the years that followed with his virtual guidance. I don't think I'll be able to build a wheel again without picturing his illustrations or "hearing" his advice. I'm sure I'm not alone in this, and it seems appropriate that Sheldon is keeping so many of us rolling. He was without peer.
Thank you Sheldon for helping us all with our bike problems and being such a friendly person. The international cycling scene lost one of their greatest members.
Rest in Peace an Ride On in whatever place you are now!
Thanks
We may not have lost the greatest athelete in cycling, but we certainly have lost one of the greatest human beings in cycling.
With my kindest regards and repect for you, your family, and your legacy,
J.D.
It is a sad time for cyclists everywhere, one of our guiding lights is no longer with us. I’d like to think I understand spoke patterns and the concept of mechanical advantage as it relates to cantilever brakes a little better because of Sheldon’s writing. I’ve never found another such singular source of in-depth information for all things related to bicycles. I’m exceedingly glad that he took the time to commit so much of it to the internet. That boundless knowledge is just a small part of the legacy that will live on. We should all aspire to be a little more like Sheldon. I sincerely hope there are bicycles wherever he is now.
I was sorry to learn of Mr. Brown's passing.
He gave me good advice on my bicycle through email, and I wanted to meet him one day.
It is difficult to believe he is gone. I was searching his site for the article on fillet brazing just the other day.
My heart goes out to his family.
the guy oozed the spirit of biking that we all wished we were filled with. Sharing his knowledge and time with so many riders of different generations and abilities. God speed
The cycle of life continues (and now runs smoother than ever, I'm sure!) Thanks for all the positive energy and common sense advice over the years, Sheldon. Ride on!
In 1987, I arrived for graduate school at Northeastern U. in Boston. I was assigned to Prof. Fell as an advisor. A couple of weeks into the semester, I remarked to her that I was getting a lot of bike flats on Boston streets. She said that her husband could get me some Tuffy liners. He did, and they helped.
It wasn't until I saw Sheldon Brown's Web site a few years later that I made the connection between him and Prof. Fell. When the Web was new, I didn't think that much of it, but his was one of the few sites that I found truly useful. I've gotten great information from it many times since.
I will forever remember "Captain Bike" superhero of cycledom.
Like many people, I came to know of Sheldon Brown through the Usenet newsgroup rec.bicycles.tech. I would occasionally post a question regarding bike mechanics, and would sometimes provide comments to others. Once I checked out his web site, it quickly became obvious that Sheldon was sort of a guru of bicycle mechanics. Not only would he frequently post answers on the newsgroup, but he would even take the time to personally respond to my questions on a couple of occasions; e-mailing me back with clear, helpful solutions to my questions about fixed gear conversions, hub spacing, and chainlines. I'm glad that Sheldon was around long enough to have access to the internet for many years, so that his knowledge will continue to enlighten others. His website is a great resource to amateur bicycle mechanics everywhere. Rest in peace, Sheldon. You made the world a better place.
Like many have said - invaluable what this man has done, and what he has left us with. I visit his extensive and sprawling site at least once a week, and expect i will never get to appreciate all of it. He was a man attached to bicycling from birth and the best we can do for him now is to keep riding.
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Sheldon's death. My thoughts and prayers go to Sheldon's family.
I never met Sheldon, never even exchanged an email. Yet I felt that through his websites he was my friend. I knew I could I could turn to him for help and inspiration and often have done.
Thanks Sheldon you enriched and touched so many.
John Picken
Although I never met Sheldon, his writings and tips have left a large impact on me! His love of biking, "old school" bikes, bike commuting and Sturmy Archer shifters will stay with me forever.
Thanks Sheldon - I'll take you with me whereever I ride!
He was a nut, and I mean that as the highest compliment. Many of us our nuts we eschew the norm. Such as driving a car everywhere we go. Few of us are nearly as articulate, generous and helpful as Sheldon and his website.
He will be missed.
I RIDE FOR SHELDON.
95% of the time when i drop into a local bike shop to ask some sort of technical question, whomever i'm talking to inevitably volunteers, "hey if you REALLY wanna learn this stuff you should totally check out this guy on the internet. his name is..." ...yeah, we all know who it is. it's sheldon "captain bike" brown.
thanks sheldon. your name and your wealth of knowledge live on thanks to your kind generosity and just a touch of insanity.
may you rest in peace.
I never new Sheldon except from his cycling website. A great loss to the cycling world! May Sheldon's family and friends be blessed and comforted.
After a winter spent rebuilding (I thought) my new Peugeot UO8, I talked my way into a summer job at the Bicycle Revival. I soon learned from Sheldon how little I REALLY knew about bikes, but in between furious bouts of assembling container-loads of Robin Hood and Phillips 3-speeds for the Harvard Summer School crowd, Sheldon initiated me into the mysteries of Sturmey-Archer hubs, wheel building, and enough other bicycle esoterica and exotica to send me on my way to years of occasional bike shop employment and lifelong cycling pleasure and DIY.
I haven't yet ridden a radial-spoke wheel, fabricated snow tires from roofing nails, or scarred an offending auto with a flat-head wood screw strategically extending from my boot-heel.
But Sheldon's inspired life and work help remind me of the passion, excitement and creativity available to all of us. Each time I ride, I am renewed, and each ride from now on I'll thank Sheldon.
Condolences to Sheldon's family and countless people he touched and will continue to bless with his memory.
- Marc
Thanks for giving me the confidence to turn a screw or a wrench were I dared not to previously.
Thanks Sheldon. Felt like I knew you.
Thanks for giving me the confidence to turn a screw or a wrench were I dared not to previously.
Thanks Sheldon. Felt like I knew you.
It is a sad day indeed. The world is a diminished place without him, the man with a thousand middle names.
Thank you Sheldon, for the articles, for the pictures of old, cool bikes, for showing you have been a happy and free person.
So long Sheldon.
Yesterday I explained to my roommate that when bike mechanics say "look it up on Sheldon Brown", it's in much the same that folks in general say "Google it" or "Look on Wikipedia": it refers to a universally known resource, consulted in the certainty that Sheldon Has The Answer.
Sheldon, you'll be missed even by those who of us who never got to meet you. Thank you for everything you helped us with.
My condolences to all Sheldon's family and friends.
RIP Sheldon and thank you very much for the fine education.
Much love to you and your family.
You were a caring teacher that will be greatly missed.
I knew Sheldon..... I worked with Sheldon many years ago.... He will be missed. And the wheels keep rolling!
Thank you for everything you have given!
So sad to learn that such a great man has left us.
Sheldon was an inspiration to all. He used the web to share his knowledge with all, and did so generously, and personally, through emails to those who contacted him.
The information he shared has helped me in many ways, from pedalling technique injuries to building bikes.
My heart goes out to those who knew him in person, and will miss him the most.
Ride In Peace Capt'n Bike!
Rest In Peace, Captain Sheldon! You will be missed. Thanks for all good advices. My condolences to the Brown family. Next ride's for you...
Sheldon Brown was a person I wish I had the privilege of knowing in real life. His website helped me in so many ways, but it was really the enthusiasm behind his words that got me to love cycling.
My heart and thoughts go out to his family, friends, and to everyone else out there who feels this same sense of loss and sadness that I do.
He made such a great and profound impact on the world. He happily and generously helped people find a real joy in something--something easily attainable, something healthy, something that can be done everyday, something that can be shared with others--a lifestyle.
I wish there was more I could say but no words could do justice to how I feel now. I hold a great deal of respect for this man, and I miss him.
Sheldon was a magnificent presence, generous with his knowledge and counsel. I will miss his upbeat outlook and his ability to solve my antique brake pad issue or odd-sized bottom bracket problem at 3am from 1000 miles away. I hope all of his many fans will help perpetuate his legacy by being useful in some small way to a fellow cyclist. I offer my condolences to his family and friends.
The cycling community lost a great man. Sheldon Brown was a wealth of sound advice. He was able to remove the clutter and fluff and give you the real story. I've used his site often, especially when I've gotten into a bit of a bind doing things myself without previous having the experience. Most of the time, I was able to figure it out with his help. Other times, the valid answer was that it was not to be repaired and was broken for good. I always got a finite answer. Over the years, reading your blog from time to time, I seem to have to gotten to know you personally, even without really meeting you.
I send my condolences to your family and friends and know that the cycling community will miss you. Rest in peace Sheldon.
I was very shocked to hear of Sheldon's death, my condolences to his wife and family.
He made a huge impression on me and countless others, he was a truly amazing man. I hope his web site can stay online so that we can continue learn from him.
I never met him, but I've spent countless hours reading his thoughtful, intelligent and often touching writings. The front brake his writings convinced me my fixed gear needed has saved my life many a time.
He gave so freely of his knowledge and wisdom.
He was my bicyle prophet.
Thank you.
I'm saddened. As an avid reader from Hungary of Sheldon, just can't find the right words now... Rest in peace, man, you're one of my role-models for life...
Even though I never met the man, Sheldon Brown was obviously an incredibly generous person who dearly loved sharing his broad wisdom and knowledge to those in need (i.e.: 3 speed hub parts all over the floor and no idea how to get them back together... ;).
I think we should all take a good look at how Sheldon lived his life and we should strive to reach that high bar he set for the rest of us.
My deepest sympathies to his family... I can only imagine the loss you feel.
-Lars
we'll miss you Sheldon Brown, you will be remembered as one of the all time cleverest gear-heads. thanks for sharing everything...
May I offer my heartfelt and sincere condolences to the family of Mr Sheldon Brown.
I live in the UK (about 35 miles North of London) and was an engineer for much of my working life. My hobbies include all manner of things (including cycling, incl. wheelbuilding etc) and I am an avid cyclist (touring & racing still)for nearly 50 years but found that his input to the cycling world was perfectly aimed for all levels of rider.
I have never met or communicated with him but felt that I knew him via his web-site inputs. His supremely straightforward data and information details have been enormously helpful on the internet through the years. Let's hope that www. includes "heaven" so that we can still hear his wisdom!
Mr Sheldon Brown will be missed by persons who (as myself) benefitted from his tremendous enthusiasm for all things cycling.
my thoughts are with his wife and family - YOUR MAN WAS HOW WE SHOULD ALL AIM TO EMULATE.
Ian Farquharson (Mr)
Great Britain
Thank you for the knowledge you have transmitted us in these years
Rest in peace
Gianluca
Gracias a tà he sido capaz de montar mi primera rueda. Desde España hasta donde estés un fuerte abrazo. Saber mucho y compartirlo es algo inmenso, gracias.
Felices pedaladas por donde ruedes maestro.
Sheldon, I will miss your great humor and I always read your articles on biking and will miss them also.
Gerr
Thanks for all the advice. Whenver I had a problem with my bike, I knew where to look for the answer. You will continue to inspire many people.
In a sport/hobby/fetish/transport mode that can often be more than a little intimidating to the uninitiated, Sheldon rolled out the welcome mat to newbies and old pros alike. His site has been as invaluable to me as it has so many others. His passing is a loss to us all.
Sheldon was amazing in his breadth and depth of knowledge about cycling. His kindness and generosity came through in his writing. I only wish I had known him personally.
To his family, my sincere condolences. He will be missed.
I never met or spoke to you but I just know I would have found you very fascinating.
Thanks for all the reading you've left me to get on with, it will go to good use.
Sheldon set the bar high in his passion for life. He helped me on technical matters, discussed bike issues and I'm so sad that he's gone. My condolences to family, friends and all of you out there who miss him.
Please add me to the long list of people who've been helped by Sheldon Brown.
My condolences to his family and friends.
I only got to meet you once at the end of a very long ride.
Many years prior, a cup of coffee a some discussion with a friend about fixed gears led me to your website. It was an honor and great pleasure to have meet after building wheels, fixed gear bikes and many more "experiments" as a results of your many many "PUBLICATIONS". I can never fully explain the freedom that you have given me in relation to biking.
You are missed already.
Condolences to your family and many many friends.
Although I've never met you in person, I thank you for all that you've taught me. You were an inspiration to us all, your spirit will not be forgotten.
Thank you Sheldon, you are missed.
I didn't know him, never met him, never even emailed him. I never had to. He helped me so much without ever knowing it. I aspire to cultivate my inner nerd the way Sheldon Brown did. He is a hero, not only to cyclists, but to DIY punks, nrrrds, and hackers everywhere. You will be missed, but not forgotten.
Hopefully our messages of appreciation and recognition of Sheldon's contributions to improving the world in his little way, are a small bit of comfort to his family. SB, you will be missed.
I learned most everything I know about bike mechanics from Shedlon, I hope the cycling gods are treating him well.
His knowledge and wisdom will be missed. My thoughts are to his family
Patron Saint of Cycling, and by far the most helpful and genuine bike guru I've ever had the pleasure to talk with.
Sheldon will be sorely missed.
Sheldon,
You were a curmudgeon and a contrarian in the best senses of those words. I only wish I knew you in person.
My thoughts are with your family and friends, for whom you had such obvious love and affection.
You helped me with many bike dilemmas over the years. I will miss your humor and good will.
-Michael "Brother in spirit" Brown
Los Angeles
As one of the many who knew Sheldon Brown only through his website, his passing still makes me write. Every web search about any interesting question regarding bike tech led to...Sheldon Brown's work. Reading it somehow gave me the Raleigh Twenty bug; Sheldon's enthusiasm and excitement for all things bicycling was contagious. And yes, his generosity, with his knowledge, his opinions, his time, was extraordinary. He should receive at least one posthumous honorary degree, he was a Professor of Bicycles, if there ever was one.
Farewell, Sheldon, you are missed...
Darryl Flaherty
The winter just got colder,as it always does when we lose a friend. It happens more in the winter...God only knows why. I'm so sorry for those who mourn the death of this great man.
Lord, why does winter have to be so hard?
-Carl McDonald
I first encountered Sheldon on tandem@hobbes. He was a great advocate for full bikes (distinguished from single person, half bikes) and I got many good tips about bike etiquette and maintenance from his postings, always signed with a new moniker. Since then I have consulted his web site many times, more recently about fixed gears and their peculiarties. Like everyone, I will greatly miss the every evolving fount of knowledge he maintained he shared with all of us.
Eric Swanson, Arlington, VA.
Mr. Brown, you will be sorely missed. I only conversed with you a few times, on the ibob list, but your resources were beyond compare.
My sympathy goes out to the family and to Harris Cyclery. May his writings be never lost, and permanently available to all.
He is riding in the clouds.
Thank you, Mr. Brown, thank you.
Deep condolences to Sheldon's family and co-workers. His wealth of knowledge will be missed.
Truly a unique individual who's contributions and generosity to the entire cycling community will be missed.
:(
When I saw the news I could hardly believe it... We need more people like Sheldon out there! Here's hoping his teachings stay online!
Thanks for the inspiration, Sheldon. You lived the best kind of life, one celebrated by so many people. Godspeed.
A giant has fallen. Condolences to Sheldon's family and close friends.
Although I never met him, I learned much from his insights and experience which he was generous enough to share via his web pages.
To the Fell/Brown family, thank you for sharing Sheldon with us. His personality and personae translated well, even over the internet.
With sorrow,
David
Good night, funny man.
Thank you for the invaluable knowledge and passion you put into the community. You will be missed, and your legacy will live on through all of us -- your students and friends.
Sheldon helped a hopeless mechanic like me solve so many mechanical problems and cleared up my confusion countless times. He helped me nurse a half-century old Sturmey-Archer hub back to health and decode French tire sizes. He also always made me feel good about cycling as a way of life.
Right now I'm fondly recalling his missive that appeared in Adventure Cyclist last year about the pronunciation and spelling of derailer/derailleur.
He was a good man, and he will be missed.
Sheldon
I finally found the tandem you told me to get 30 years ago, a sweet old Jack Taylor.
Thanks for all the help. I'm sure you left instructions on how to take care of anything that should come along.
You go on, now... we'll catch up.
Bravo Sheldon, well done sir! You will be missed.
I had the pleasure of meeting him at this past year's Interbike in Las Vegas. He stood up out off of his cart to take a picture with me. I told him that he did not have to get up, but he said it was no problem.
I am glad that I had the oppurtunity to personally thank him for the help that his website has provided me.
So in closing, Sheldon, keep the rubber side down and the shiny side up for the eternal bike ride!
goodbye.
Yes, there are bicycles in heaven...
and now they have someone to tell them how to fix them. :)
On my first google search for "fixed-gear" guess who I found?
I told a veteran cyclist that I'd gotten some info off the internet about fixed-gear stuff, and he cut me off saying "Sheldon Brown?"
I blushed a little and said, "Yeah, he's my new best friend."
I was just looking for the code for my cyclocomputer since I lost my manual and stumbled upon Sheldon's site one day... What a revelation. Not just to find the center of everything about bicycles (which I returned to almost daily), but more importantly I had found one of the most interesting characters the community will ever have. A true gentleman, a bit goofy at times :), but always a gentleman.
Happy cycling, Brother Sheldon.
My condolences to family and friends, I only knew Sheldon through his fantastic collection of knowledge and entertainment on the www. May it never be lost.
Ride on. Simon, Denmark
Sheldon Brown's information helped me learn most of what I did about the nuts and bolts of cycling. He, via the internet, walked me step by step on cleaning my road bike, setting it up to ride safely, even virtualy held my hand and showed me how to do my fixed gear conversion. I wil continue to refer to his website as long as it exists.
Rest In Peace Sheldon, and thanks for being a true servant! To his family, thank you for sharing your Sheldon with us all.
-Darby Collier
Houston, TX
Thank you for the inspiration you gave me and to numerous others.
Sebastiaan, Holland
Cycling has few enough real, 'heroes' these days, too many villans. If there isn't a 'Cycling Hall of Fame' there should be, and Mr Brown surely earned his spot in it through his tireless, always selfless efforts to make cycling more accessible and more widely utilised for the betterment of all. These facts alone surely earn him a spot and the world is a poorer place today. Sheldon for the Cycling Hall Of Fame !!!!!
Graeme, Scotland.
The most common word used to describe Sheldon is “Guru.” It is a word that often gets misused, but in Sheldon’s case fits perfectly. There are leaders in this world, and then there are gurus.
When leaders speak, not everyone agrees; some don’t like the way they are being lead, and they protest and argue. However, when a guru speaks, people just listen in silence and nod their head in agreement.
Leaders often demand respect, but in the end they have to earn it. Gurus never even ask for respect, they come by it naturally. A rare quality indeed; Sheldon Brown had that quality.
I'm sure that Sheldon as a legend of cyclomechanics is still alive as his site is maintained.
All the best, Sheldon!
Nikolay, Russia.
Thank you, Sheldon.
Sheldon's website helped me build my first wheel.
Wish I knew Sheldon in person, because I imagine his online generosity to be just the tip of the iceberg.
I'll be thinking of you on climbs to come, ever thankful that your gear calculator helped in choosing the right cassette/ chainring configuration.
Miss you.
Karl.
May you rest in peace and bless us all down here so that we all become more cycle-friendly! I’ve only knew you through your site, but you have helped me greatly nonetheless. I’m deeply grateful for you work.
As much fun as Sheldon appeared to have in making a living that meshed with his passion, we have to admire him and say "You were an inspiration Sheldon." Though death is inevitable, we are all saddened that a life so well and vibrantly lived is done.
His following, only hinted at by the huge number of condolences and well wishers here, as well as the business Harris Cyclery does in specialized and hard to find parts is a testimony to what one person with a real love and a fashion-be-damned dedication to the sports of making and riding bikes can accomplish. Fashions could not change Sheldon so they had to catch up to him.
There will be, there already is, a legacy of this tinkerly passion of Sheldon's. My own kids, grown and scattered across the US still shop on line, or when visiting, drop in for parts and advice at the shop on Washington Street. They are now the market for those stout sprockets and special hubs. They have a frame or two in their apartments and home brewed bike trailers big enough to haul a couch. They put in volunteer hours at community earn-a-bike centers in their towns.
I hope the web presence pioneered by Sheldon will remain and be added to. Thousands of interesting rides have roots in Sheldon's work. This oil addicted nation needs his inspiration more than ever. May ten thousand riders go forth, touring or commuting, with Sheldon's twinkle in their eye.
i built my first wheel using sheldon's instructions. i built my last wheel referring to those same instructions.
sheldon leaves a legacy i can only aspire to.
my thoughts and prayers go out to his family. rest well my friend.
Put me in the category of those who didn't know him personally, but consult his website frequently, and who got his responses to Harris e-mails.
The thing I appreciate most about his website is the no-bullshit demystification of everything he describes. It gave a guy like me the chutzpah to build my first wheel.
The thing I will remember most about him are his accounts of the Greenspeed rides. Frankly, at first I found them depressing, but now I find them inspiring. Here's a guy who could have given up cycling, and he finds a way to make it work.
"Coasting is a pernicious habit."
To his family, I can only offer my condolences, and my thanks for sharing him with the rest of us.
As the internet and my interrest for (old) bicycles rose, I came across Sheldons websites, and their informative, no nonsense content really ment a difference - both in my mind and in my workshop.
Sheldon Brown was a generous man.
Let us endeavour so to live that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry.
MARK TWAIN
Did not know Sheldon personally but have ridden for years and specifically with the Polar Type Bears in the Great Mass. Getaway for 7 years raising money to fight MS. I am sure that my team will ride in tribute to Sheldon this coming June.
Respectfully,
Jonathan Stark
He was a great man, and really taught me that there was more to this cycling lark than jumping on my rustbucket and pedaling...
... but doing that is the IMPORTANT part of cycling!
My condolences to Sheldon Brown's family.
I've never had any direct contact with him, but enjoyed learning from his website and his messages on rec.bicycles and bikeforums. Loved his sense of humour too!
I would not have started maintaining my bikes myself without his inspiration.
It may seem strange to grow fond of someone you don't know, but that's what happened over the years. I'll miss him.
Michel, Belgium
Sheldon, you will be missed. Like so many others writing here, your simple reply to my email was a pleasant surprise in an an otherwise impersonal and vast cyberspace. Thanks for teaching us all how to be better cyclists, and human beings. Ride on . . .
Thought I've never met you Sheldon, you've helped me many times and you will be missed.
My thoughts go out to your family and friends.
Biking in Duluth for Sheldon,
Jeff
Cycling has lost one of its great ambassadors.
Like many I only knew him through his website, but this helped me countless times. I built two bicycle wheels from the instructions on Sheldon's page, having never done it before. It went without a hitch and I still ride on these wheels now. This was a job I'd been scared of attempting before. Sheldon is the best bicycle maintenance teacher, and his site is better than an encyclopedia.
Sheldon, you will be greatly missed.
Ride on Sheldon, the Boy and I will be doing a ride in memory this weekend. Like most posters never met ya but feel like I lost a long time friend. My sympathies to the Family
Condolences to the family, and the cycling community will miss you greatly! Happy trails, Sheldon!
Dearest Sheldon...
R est
I n
P ista
The world is better for his having been in it, and poorer now he is gone. I thank him for sharing his knowledge, and wish condolences to his family.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Brown family and friends at this time.
I never met him, but I feel like I knew him well through his articles and by reading his blogs. He was not just a great bike guru for so many, he was a great man.
Sheldon is already missed...
~Fixie Addict in B'more
Sheldon's website, for many years now, has been my first port of call for cycling knowledge.
But it will be the wisdom, wit and self-deprecating humour I got into the bargain which I will remember, and which has enriched my life.
Cheers from a saddened Scottish mountain biker Sheldon!
The world is a more sad place without you Sheldon.
Thank you for all that you gave us.
Thanks for all the knowledge you left and for all the help you gave.
The most important thing we leave behind when we die is the impressions we have left on others and it's effect. You should be proud!
You were a model "civil servant".
We are all the richer for his influence and passion for cycling.
He touched me with his enthusiasm, and directed me many times in new directions through his web pages with his helpful articles discussions tips and humour.
For a man who doesn't believe in a god, he was one of those mortals who I feel worthy of this status.
I remember a Sheldon moment whist on the around lake Taupo cycle ride in New Zealand.
I began talking to a guy on his vintage 'speed modified', 'Raleigh 20' with a massive 58 tooth chain ring.
I questioned Scott from Cyclo Auckland where he had got it?
"Harris Cyclery in Massachusetts"
"Aah" I responded, "Sheldon Brown is a Cycling God"
"Yes he is!" my new friend replied.
Ride on Sheldon.. now you are fully single speed and fixed gear.
All roads lead to Home.....eventually.
Just like to say I appreciate anyone who gives his knowledge to the people. Sheldon give immense knowledge in his web site (which I know him best) and I would like to say many thanks. Like many here, I feel sad and guilty I didn't say thanks when he was alive. Thank you Sheldon.
My fixed bikes would not exist without his knowledge. Respect.
I learned today from BikePortland.org that Sheldon Brown has left this world. I'm sorry that I never got to meet him, but I'm smarter for all I read of his.
What an amazing man who meant so much to so many people who never met him, but to whom he opened his personal life and his vast cycling knowledge.
I knew Sheldon only a very brief time; but time enough to regret not having the chance to know him longer. Farewell Sheldon. We will miss you.
I didn't know The Bike G-d personally but we exchanged emails on the various technological challenges of restoring/repairing 3speed Steeds. It will be lonely without him.
I knew Mr. Brown briefly....but he's left a lasting memory in my life.
A few years ago my husband built me a little bike shop in the corner of our shed so I could, at the age of 44, fullfill a dream and start to learn bicycle mechanics. Before I tore into my first bottom bracket I discovered Sheldon with his no BS, low tech, practical approach to everything bicycle. Eighty percent of what I know about fixing bikes I learned by reading his articles and emails. Since then my "hobby" Shifting Gears Bicycles has relcaimed dozens of old bikes and given them to homeless and low income individuals and our bicycle clinics have passed his knowlege on even further. Whenever someone donates something wierd I don't know how to fix (like a mallard helicomatic hub) I'll Google it, and inevietably the first article that comes up is on his site.
What an incredibly smart, warm, unpretentious, gregarious, funny, and above all generous man he was. My condolences to his family. Know that hwat he did in his life lives on.
After a few minutes on Sheldon's site years ago, I was hooked. Not only was he erudite and meticulous, he was also iconoclastic and funny, not afraid to be silly, and happily geeky. His atheism was a testament to the vigour with which he lived life. I guess when you know it's a one shot deal, you give it your best go.
I remember now the first section I ever read: Bicycling and Pain. It helped me to help the beginners in my riding club. Sheldon was so tricky! While filling us up with wisdom, he made it irresistible to be helpful ourselves.
I know you're not out there anymore Sheldon, above or below or in-between. I know I'm talking to myself, or at least those who miss you. But the proliferation of ideas and actions is history in motion; your legacy lies in the less destructive path you helped put us humans on.
That's your afterlife: our brighter collective future.
We've lost a great and inspiring teacher of the Bicycle and of Life. Though I never met him he touched my life many times, and I will always be the richer because of his life. Thank you, Sheldon, and you'll be riding with us forever.
There can be few cyclists anywhere in the world who have not benefited, directly or indirectly, from Sheldon's enormous wealth of knowledge and his generosity with it.
So long as the knowledge Sheldon has shared continues to help cyclists, he'll never stop riding. Sheldon will always have the answer.
You are the beacon and left a lasting impression on us. Thank you Sheldon.
Because of you, more people ride bikes. Good work.
In my innumerable visits to Sheldon's vast and wonderful resource reference pages... I stumbled across the "Product W" article. Seeing as I work for the company that manufactures "Product W", with tongue planted firmly in cheek, I emailed Sheldon and effusively thanked him for the resounding review of the product.
Sheldon responded in kind and we had ourselves a good laugh over the theobromine component.
A brillian, passionate, knowledgeable and devilishly humerous man.... Far to few of them... and now, so sadly... one less.
Rest well, Mr. Brown.... and may you "Rolling Clouds" all be surrounded by the bluest skies and brightest sunshine....
Cheers!
Larry "Boneman" Bone
Sheldon Brown, Ride In Peace
Like so many others, I was stunned and dismayed by the news of Sheldon Brown's passing when I heard of it on Monday.
I first 'discovered' Sheldon in July of 2006, when I did a web search, of what I do not recall, and one of the returns was his article about "Igor" and included his winter use of packing tape on his helmet vents. At the time, I just thought this was some random site of somebody's cycling stories, and amused myself with his "Silly Hats" article. A couple months later I searched for something technical, and Sheldon's site had the answer. I was bowled over. So much info, all in one place, with just about every question one could possibly have answered. I became an instant Sheldon fan. Most days that I went online included a visit to Sheldon's site. Since I don't access the internet at home, sometimes I would be anticipating going to work (????) just so I could look up something by Sheldon.
Sheldon made my cycling life better. He really was inspirational in a low-key kind of way for me. While he had a vast knowledge, he wanted to share it freely for the betterment of all. He truly will be missed, and his spirit will most definitely live on in the hearts of cyclists.
Ride in Peace, Sheldon.
Words can't express my feeling of loss that Sheldon has left the shop.
His incredible patience and helpfulness with ignorant newbies like me ten years or so ago meant so much to me, and continued to do so. I always knew that no matter how stupid my question, he could and would answer it. And he did it for thousands of other people too!
What a giant spirit the man had! And what a legacy he leaves behind.
Sheldon,Rest in Peace.I almost feel as though I personally knew you,although we've only passed each other in cyberspace.On Monday,August,02,2004 you imparted some of your wisdom in answering a few questions I has emailed to you.I sincerely thank you for having taken your time,to answer questions of a total stranger.I have very often referred back to your site at least once a week since I had first discovered it.It is an absolute work of devotion for you to have left for us,the cyclists of the world,as your legacy.I can't thank you enough,and do hope that it will remain for a long time,to help others through it's use,and educate us through your tirelessefforts that I can't imagine how many days,weeks,and months it must've taken you.Ride on,brother,for eternity! Your friend,Anthony in NJ.
Beautiful mind.
Beautiful human being.
You will be missed but never forgotten.
Doug in California.
Sheldon's site is and will continue to be an invaluable resource. The www let us all learn from the man.
Keep on rolling.
I barely knew the man but worshiped his ideals.
He inspired a better lifestyle in not only me, but thousands of others.
You will be missed, but never forgotten.
Thank you Sheldon Guru Brown
It was after discovering Sheldon Brown’s amazing website that I realized the internet could be a tool for community building. By sharing his interests and knowledge, in his very special way he inspired me to unleash my imagination on stuff like I did when I was a kid! His instruction was much appreciated.
My condolences to his wife and kids.
may he wath over us bikkers.
respect
Vicky J.
belgium
The cycling world is a poorer place without him.RIP
PS: Another Obituary is in The Guardian newspaper, London. Online at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/feb/07/ethicalliving.cycling
Where else can one go for the final word on anything? When you spoke with Sheldon about bicycles you spoke to the mountain. He was a world treasure.
Au revoir Mon Capitaine.
Sheldon was about 1500 miles away from me, I never met him, but, he impacted my life where it counts...cycling! When it came time to put a singlespeed together for my commuting needs,
I googled a few topics on the subject and Sheldon's site was the one I gained the most info from. I could tell this guy knew his stuff! I was equally amazed at how much he knew and SHARED with the world! Amazing!
My singlespeed runs like a charm thanks to Sheldon!
RIP Bicycle Man!
I only knew of Sheldon by his website, but even through that medium, he was an inspiration to me and changed my life.
Godspeed, Captain!
I made a map so we can mark up where we're from and illustrate Sheldon's broad reach. Please add yourself to the map.
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=102095622975022952865.000445a7d6054e9af0271&ll=2.811371,-83.671875&spn=176.927686,360&z=1&om=0
Sheldon Brown: expert mechanic, webmaster, family man, fixed-gear guru, personality. You will be missed by the international cycling community. On the Grand Tour, we wish you nothing but smooth roads.
After not riding a bike for nearly 30 years, early last year I started looking for a bike to buy my son. Then I figured, what the heck, I should get one, too. Being a dedicated web researcher, I starting looking for information on bikes and cycling, and I quickly found Sheldon's site. It didn't take too long for it to rekindle a an interest (some would say mania) in bikes I haven't had since I was 14, and I regret not having had the chance to thank him for it.
What I found remarkable about Sheldon was his combination of sheer love for bikes and cycling, a deep knowledge of them, plus the ability to communicate those things to a broad audience. There are many people who are deeply in love with a thing, but few who can infect others with that same love. Sheldon was a unique individual. In fact, I cannot think of another person who combined such love, wit, intelligence, and kindness with the ability to communicate those things in such measure.
From reading the responses around the net, it is clear his passing is a great loss to many, many people. And yet his gifts to the larger world will persist for many, many years.
He will be missed.
Sheldon represented the best cycling has to give. He focused on riding for fun, utility, and the sheer joy of it. He gave us so much, not only through sharing of information, but in direct communication. This he did with coutesy and grace, though he must have answered the same questions for people countless times.
His website inspired, encouraged and educated so many of us for years and years. Its breasth and depth are astounding, and the accuracy, relevance and general high quality of its composition is unmatched by any cycling reference wiork I have found.
Unquestionably he leaves a bigger gap than anyone I can think of in the cycling world. I am firm in my belief that his spirit will always be present anytime someone throws a leg over a saddle, turns a pedal crank or turns a wrench on a cycle part. And the amazing online resource he built will surely continue to educate countless riders for many years to come.
I only hope he knew how much he really meant to us all. We won't see the likes of him again anytime soon. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends and all at Harris Cyclery.
I only knew him thru his writings. Sheldon helped me thru many a bike repair and understanding how things work. He's the reason for wireless connectivity in my garage. Rock & Roll Sheldon....
Ride/Repair on in heaven...
Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
Its was a comfort to seach for something and have his website come up and offer the information I need. I though to myself this guy is pretty cool. I'm sorry to hear of his passing. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
I owe a lot to Sheldon Brown, all his tech articles, but also his fantastic old school approach to cycling. In an age where everything seemed to lead to ever higher tech gear, he was a breath of fresh air. I will continue reading his great webpage, but now with a touch of sadness, knowing that he's no more.
Never met Sheldon, felt I knew him through the web. His values resonated with mine, his technical skills and knowledge were and are indispensible. A major loss of a "good guy" to cycling. Thoughts are with and for his family.
Sheldon was a staple in the cycling community. A trusted oracle of technical knowledge of such the World may never see again.
Thank you for the advice, enthusiasm, and knowledge you so willingly shared with all of us. Thank you for being there for us.
You made a difference!
Ron Castia
God bless you Sheldon,
You taught me so much about cycling with your thoughtful and passionate websites.
Many thanks from London UK.
You are a legend and a great help to everyone looking for knowledge.
From now on, every time I ride my Quickbeam I'll think of Sheldon Brown.
I once received some good advice from him via the Rivendell bike list on getting some SPD pedals, cleats, shoes, and clipping in when riding fixed. It was the right thing to do, and it greatly enhanced my fixed-gear experience.
His website provided hours of fantastic information, history, and entertainment which fueled my own passion for riding.
Thank you Sheldon, for your knowledge, generosity, and wise advice. You will be missed, tremendously.
Thanks for everything Mr Brown.
You will be missed.
from Melb. Australia
He was a wealth of knowledge and kindness. May we all live in the shadow of his love for cycling and life.
He taught me a lot. I respected him so much. RIP.
There should be a frame named after him.
NO
a whole bike manufacturing company named after him
!
You were the local bike mechanic to the world...God Bless You!
Sad to hear. As someone already said I find it strange that I can miss a person I didn´t even know. That says a lot.
When my wife and I were looking for something fun to do for a trip to France she suggested we go to Le Vieux Moulin. Despite not having been on a bike in 15 years we had a blast and the following summer we got bikes! It was only after Sheldon passed away and I was talking about it to my wife did we both realize that Sheldon helped us without us telling our spouses. My wife had researched LVM at Sheldon's site while I researched bikes for us. Truly an inspirational man...I only wish I got a chance to run into him somewhere on the roads.
Biking in France: http://www.cforcooking.com/cBlog/?p=77
I'm so glad I found this. I'm one of the many who never met Sheldon, never even emailed with him. But I relied upon his sound advice and enjoyed his tales.
I hope these many good wishes serve as comfort to his family
As many others have said here Sheldon's amazing fountain of knowledge on all things bicycle related and more his generosity in sharing that with the world will be sorely missed. I too had received emails directly from him concerning the conversion of my old road bike and this when he was losing the ability to ride his own. Such spirit and courage rarely graces this world and we are all a bit poorer when it is no more. Thank you Sheldon.
You never know what you had until it's gone. The more I think about him being gone, the more I feel the ache of his loss. Sheldon, we will all miss you dearly.
We are all saddened by Sheldon's departure, as we were all enriched by his generosity in life. For more than 10 years, he inspired me, advised me, and helped me find "just the right part". And I never actually met the man...
Since 2007, I have used his personal page for all of my cycling needs. He certainly was such help.
May God bless you, Sheldon. You have made it to a better place in cycling heaven.
Gosh, what sad news! When I started the original FixedGearFever track cycling webpage way back in 1992, Sheldon was one of the very first people to help out and submit material for the site. A heck of a nice guy, he will be sorely missed! Durer
Thank you for taking your time to help me and so many others with our bike questions....and for having the most amazing supply of parts.
I never met Sheldon Brown, but I turned to his website often for advice and information about cycling. He was a true cycling great, and we were all very lucky to have someone who was willing to share so much with so many people he would never meet. Thank you Sheldon.
As a private citizen, Sheldon emerged as world's foremost authority on cycling. Isn't that amazing? He has lived a 21st century American Dream. Well done.
Thank you Sheldon for your generosity of spirit, humour and encylopaedic bike knowledge. Thank you especially for writing it down and sharing it all so freely. The world is diminished by your passing. Sincere condolences to your family from me here in Australia.
I never met Sheldon, but I devoured his writing. Such comprehensive knowledge and generous spirit is a rare and very special combination.
Thank you Sheldon. I thank you for your love of French bicycles. Your love of English three speeds. Both of which I couldn't have restored without you. In the midst of a cold February night I look forward to those fast approaching spring days where I can wrench on my bicycles, my son by my side. We are saddened by your passing. But we are richer in spirit and knowledge having read your web pages. The bicycle gene lives on in both of us. Thank you Sheldon. We will try and live up to your legacy. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Thanks for all your help old friend. RIP!
Thank you, Sheldon, for sharing your vast knowledge of bicycles with the rest of us. I have always sent customers to your site and will continue to do so. Your knowledge lives on.
He was so very knowledgeable and his articles helped me quite a bit. Though I did not know him, he came up in conversations many times. R.I.P.
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