Fifty Plus (50+) - Sheldon Brown

I know many on this forum choose not to frequent the road forum, but news of Sheldon's passing was posted there earlier today.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=385194

Just thought you should know.

Yes. According to Harris Cyclery,

"Dear Harris Cyclery friends and customers,
It is with heavy hearts that we convey to you the news that Sheldon Brown has passed away. Our thoughts go out to his family at this time. The cycling community has lost one of it's most passionate members."

His email is captBike@sheldonbrown.com. I'm not sure if that is the best way to send your condolences.

He is going to be very missed. I had heard that he was sick and emailed him last summer. I'm sorry to hear of his passing.

Harris Cyclery (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/index.html)

RIP Sheldon, As a new cyclist I have learned a huge amount from his website

Sheldon Brown was one of the great figures and characters of the bicycling world. I'm going to miss you Sheldon.

That is sad news. I had followed the downturn in his health, but had hoped that he would find a path to improvement. He was too young and too vibrant to have suffered the way that he did. Life is never about being fair, but if it had been, he would have had another 25-30 years in good health.

As many of us learned, some always knew, and others were unfortunate not to know, Sheldon was a legitimate character, passionate advocate of cycling, incredible storehouse of knowledge, and a very decent human being. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Damn, the cycling community has indeed lost one of its best. I am going to mourn this loss and honor him with a period of silence. This shall be my last post for today. Sheldon, I hope you are riding to a place where the roads are always smooth and the wind is always at your back.

I will certainly miss him. He was an inspiration to me.

This is sad news.

His website was a wonderful place to learn about anything related to biking. I occasionally checked his journal where he posted about his struggles with his health.

I am saddened by this news. From what I could tell, Sheldon was a giant in the cycling community. He will be deeply missed.

Very sad news.
Sheldon's leaves an incredible wealth of cycling knowledge. All of us owe him so much.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

What an amazing guy. He'll be missed.

And an inspiration to 50+'s. Sheldon turned 50 in 1994, which (I think) was the year that the first widely usable web browser became available. But go to the web today, do a search on almost any mechanically oriented bicyling question, and Sheldon's site surfaces at the top of search results. I don't know much about Sheldon's work before the Internet, but clearly in the Internet age he appears to play in almost any discussion about bicycle mechanics. So here's a guy who took a lifetime of knowledge and passion -- along comes a new technology -- and he totally nails it. He leaves behind a legion of fans and a important body of work.

Condolences to his friends and family --

I actually got some responses from him just a few days ago to a question I posted on the Bike Mechanics forum concerning my Trek 820 project. And his post included a notice about a community Gilbert and Sullivan operetta production he was appearing in. So he wasn't letting his illness stop him from enjoying life!

And like untold others, his articles on darn near anything bike related have been invaluable to me.

There's a "bikes Sheldon helped you with" thread on the Mechanics forum; at this posting it's over 4 pages.

I found out via a posting on Detroit Craigslist, of all things.

I am stunned, I just saw this post. I want to scream but I'm going to cry.

Sheldon responded to my most stupid questions. A true teacher if there ever was one. The first time he and I had a kind of web based conversation was about my Centurion rebuild, I was blown away that such a legend would take the time to try to set me right about my work. He answered my dumb question about a Shimano hub last week.

Thanks and RIP. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

In deep homage to him, I'll paraphrase his signature lines. . .

I'm Billy (Wiping Away a Tear) Bones.

This is so, so sad. I knew he was sick, but it seemed like such a slow thing that I kind of stopped worrying about him.

I accessed his on-line information a number of times, but never asked him a question, via email or on a forum. Nor have I ever read a BF post by him, as I only look in on this forum, and then occasional on the recreation and recumbent forums and he didn't post in any of these three.

I figured he was too busy and was focused on getting healthy, so I never "bothered" him. Now I kinda wish I had at least once.

If anyone hears of a memorial being started, for his family or his favorite charity, I would appreciate it if that were posted here.

So sad.
Goodbye, Captain Bike. You stomped terra.

What a terrible loss. It was always such a treat to have Sheldon pop into a thread and answer one of your questions, and it happened fairly often.
From Sheldon's site:
"My "Panache" is a plastic eagle which probably began life at the top of a small flag pole. It is a road find. It is held on to my old Bell Image by a plastic zip tie.

This is a marvelous conversation piece, and has broken the ice on a great many contacts with strangers. Someone on the 'net once said he thought it was cool, but that he could never do something like that, 'cause he still cared what people thought of him. Well, I too care what people think of me! I hope people will think that I am:

* Independent minded.
* Original.
* A person with a sense of humor.
* Somebody who doesn't take himself too seriously. "

What a class act.
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/images/scb_eagle.jpeg

Well put -- class act indeed. Rest well, my friend. I am missing you already...

When business travel took me to Boston in July 2003, I took the commuter rail ride out to West Newton to meet Sheldon at Harris Cyclery. He was as gracious and helpful in the flesh as he was on the Internet. I will miss him, and I can only offer my heartfelt condolences to his wife, Harriet Fell, and their two adult children, as well as the entire gang at Harris.

Wow....his helpful insights and good humor will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

I recall many times Sheldon would post to a thread and others were in awe, it's like what else needs to be said here, except "Thank you oh master" He was completely unselfish, sharing his knowledge and expertise for the good of all the cycle community.

He will be sorely missed, but his work will live on.

What an awful silence is the only noise that is made when giants fall.

Thanks, Sheldon for your words of wisdom, for passing on your boundless knowledge and for showing me how to build a wheel that starts and stays round and true.

The cycling world is only beginning to understand the loneliness of your absence.

May your family find comfort and peace in the coming days.

Sheldon rightfully earned a great deal of respect and admiration from the cycling community. His site contains info not easily found anywhere else, and he was very helpful in offering advice when someone would need it. I would have liked to have met him, seemed to be quite a character. He will be missed.

This is sad and a shock. What a loss for the world of bicycling. God be with his family now. He just popped into a thread I asked a question in 2 weeks ago and set me on the right trail to an answer. Seems that few other sports would have a giant like Sheldon that would take time for the average person. Godspeed Sheldon.

Respectfully,
Bill

https://www.bicycleretailer.com/news/newsDetail/927.html

His last blog entry was his stated intent to go out and vote for Barack Obama today. He was passionate on that front.

What a terrible loss for Sheldon's family, friends and co-workers, my thoughts are with them. On a personal level Sheldon's tech articles have helped me numerous times. Any time he ventured into a posting I was sure to read his reply as not only was it full of expertise but he also provided some comic relief.

Grant at Rivendell had this to say, and I re-post it here, for as usual with Grant, it's as well written as Sheldon's stuff.

Quote:

"I got a call at home early this morning, and now that it's up on the Harris site, it's okay to acknowledge it here.

Everybody knows it by now, and thousands of words have been written about it by now. It should be hundreds of thousands. Even if hundreds of thousands, it wouldn’t approach the number of words Sheldon wrote in his enviable, concise, straight to the point style that everybody ought to learn by and I wish I could do as well.

One thing you will read, or have read many times by now, is “there will never be another Sheldon,” and it wasn’t just his hats and genius clownish demeanor, or his yellow-and-blue website, or his Sheldon Brownish knowledge of everything about bikes, from every era, and spilling over into realms and fields far beyond bicycles.

Music, acting, cameras, websites…whatever Sheldon was interested in he became expert at, but unlike many experts who flaunt it and use it to make those with less knowledge feel stupid, Sheldon was a humble educator.

Is there anything better to be? I think there isn't. Is there anybody who has helped more people, solved more problems, and contributed more enthusiasm and knowledge about bikes to more people? Nobody else is even close.

Sheldon died, and in our little bicycle world, news doesn’t get any bigger or any sadder than that.

Grant "I'm lucky to have known Sheldon" Petersen

Un-quote

SB

I got a chance to talk with Sheldon Brown on the telephone. I called Harris Cyclery to get an unusual tire recommended to me, and that was where I found it (of course).

He was so courteous and helpful, as if I was really important.

I understand he got between 500-1000 emails per day and answered them all. As many of you know, in the past couple of years, he became active on BFN.

I often compare him in my mind to another legend in bicycling, whose name I won't post here. He is also extremely knowledgeable, and an author. I have been put down publicly by this individual on the INet, as have many others. Arrogance and supposed superiority are his trademarks.

Isn't it wonderful to leave a legacy such as Sheldon's - of caring and concern, along with knowledge.

He died of a massive heart attack.

I knew he was facing a struggle with his health, but I was hoping for the best. All I can say is much of what has been said before. He was a gentleman and a cyclist scholar, and one of a kind. May he ride on in the night with a wind to his back.

Sheldon Brown was an inspiration to cyclists, a treasure of knowledge, and an example to follow. He will be missed.

I got this from his web site. I am concentrating on his positive side:

Some Things I Believe In
Democracy
Duty
Equality
Exogamy
Family
Freedom
Justice
Kindness
Law
Love
Loyalty
Mathematics
Science
Space Exploration
Truth

I noticed he believed in Truth, Justice, and the American Way (Democracy).

I got this from his web site. I am concentrating on his positive side:

Some Things I Believe In
Democracy
Duty
Equality
Exogamy
Family
Freedom
Justice
Kindness
Law
Love
Loyalty
Mathematics
Science
Space Exploration
Truth

I didn't know he supported Space Exploration, but I'm glad to hear it. Perhaps we can name the first bike path on the moon after him. :D

I wonder if his family truly knows the impact Sheldon has had..........not much more to be said but it sure leaves a large void doesn't it.

I wonder if his family truly knows the impact Sheldon has had..........not much more to be said but it sure leaves a large void doesn't it.

Well, if everyone makes sure to send their condolences to the family instead of just saying it here, then I'm sure the family will know.

I'm not sure of the best way though. I sent an email via his website.

Reading his blog, its obvious that he was still leading a full life right up to the end. That's the way it should be.

I wonder if his family truly knows the impact Sheldon has had..........not much more to be said but it sure leaves a large void doesn't it.

A good question. I grew up in Newton, my sisters got their childhood bikes at Harris and I've had some repairs done there for my kids' bikes and mine as well...I remember Sheldon...you can't help but remember him when you interact with him...although I did not know his name then nor that he was world renowned among cyclists or tapping away on the Internet. And I had no idea, until I joined Bike Forums and saw all of the threads about him, how great was his impact on cyclists and how loved he was by people all over the world. I've seen numerous "RIP" posts/articles all over the Internet (e.g., Craigslist, Popular Science, Wired, etc.) I'm not family, but, I used to race and was into the Boston area cycling scene during the early to mid 1990s, and I did not realize then that he was a giant. Maybe he became well/world known later, after he fired up his website (?). His website will likely persist and continue to help others, and it sounds like he may have spawned many "Sheldon's" to help people, although, perhaps not in the same all encompassing way. A remarkable person indeed!!

Here is a link to his obit.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2008/02/08/homepsun_wisdom/

A contribution to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in the form of a ride for the local MS 150 ride would be fun and in the spirit of Sheldon Brown. If there is an MS 150 ride anywhere in your local form a TEAM SHELDON BROWN and get people to join or contribute in his name.

He was cool, and definitely one of the best uses of air our planet has had lately.

Here is a link to his obit.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2008/02/08/homepsun_wisdom/

A contribution to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in the form of a ride for the local MS 150 ride would be fun and in the spirit of Sheldon Brown. If there is an MS 150 ride anywhere in your local form a TEAM SHELDON BROWN and get people to join or contribute in his name.


That is an excellent idea, especially if all local TEAM SHELDON BROWNs could cooperate on a national level for a total amount raised. Apparently there are national teams. bostongarden, do you know if Harris might be interested in coordinating something like that?

MS Ride (http://www.nationalmssociety.org/site/PageServer?pagename=HOM_EVENTS_ms_bike_ride)

The Boston Globe has a story about Sheldon today: http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2008/02/08/homepsun_wisdom/

In it they report that there will be a memorial service on March 2, at the First Unitarian Society in Newton, in West Newton, Massachusetts (just west of Boston) at 1:30pm.

The service is also now mentioned on the Harris Cyclery website.

That is an excellent idea, especially if all local TEAM SHELDON BROWNs could cooperate on a national level for a total amount raised. Apparently there are national teams. bostongarden, do you know if Harris might be interested in coordinating something like that?

MS Ride (http://www.nationalmssociety.org/site/PageServer?pagename=HOM_EVENTS_ms_bike_ride)

I will find out and maybe start a thread with this as the theme. If we could find one coordinator in each of the areas where the MS 150 is run we could get the ball rolling. I am in Boulder, CO and will start to put the information together for this local. Where are you located? Send a private message.

I can add nothing to these many articulate condolences, but given the enormity of the loss to the cycling world I must also say that his knowledge, insight and eloquence will truly be missed. My condolences to his family and friends.

I will find out and maybe start a thread with this as the theme. If we could find one coordinator in each of the areas where the MS 150 is run we could get the ball rolling. I am in Boulder, CO and will start to put the information together for this local. Where are you located? Send a private message.

I wrote to Harris Cyclery, to tell them what people were talking about.

Where am I located? Just look at my avatar.

Condolences have come in from across the globe,which -more than any other eulogy-says how many lives Sheldons pen and wit and advice touched.
Sheldon was part Andy Rooney,part scribe,part master mechanc and tinkerer but most of all he was a cyclist in the truest sense.
If a cycling jersey memorializing Sheldon ever becomes available I swear i will be the first in line for it.

I've been away from the Forums for a time and just learned of Sheldon's death. What is most special to me about Sheldon was his commonality. I don't know a cyclist who is unaware (or unappreciative) of him. His name is often constantly referred to, in the "Well, Sheldon says..." sense, on every bike forum I visit. Like so many others here, half of what I know about cycling hardware I've learned from his site and his postings.

But, most importantly, Sheldon brought a common sense, true value perspective to cycling...and not the blown-away-every-two-minutes by the latest and greatest and shiniest foolishness that sometimes happens in cycling. Plus, he just seemed like such a personally nice guy.

He was a kind of cycling big brother who always had the time to help, advise, make you smarter.

This is very sad news.

Let this be a reminder to all of us to Live Well, Love Well and Be Well.

I will find out and maybe start a thread with this as the theme. If we could find one coordinator in each of the areas where the MS 150 is run we could get the ball rolling. I am in Boulder, CO and will start to put the information together for this local. Where are you located? Send a private message.

I contacted Harris Cyclery, and apparently Sheldon would not approve.

Here is their response to my letter

Dear Harris staff,

On Bikeforums.net, in the 50+ Forum it has been mentioned about creating a Team Sheldon Brown to do MS rides throughout the country. Are you people contemplating anything like that?

We are not. Sheldon might not have been thrilled about it either http://www.sheldonbrown.com/thons.html

If you like it please get back to us posters at Bikeforums. I bet it will be a popular idea.


It very well may. And personally, I think it a fine one. But Harris Cyclery won't be promoting it.
Best,

Elton "his opinion, not mine" Pope-Lance @ Harris

Information on Sheldon's memorial ride and service is posted on the Classic & Vintage forum.

Information on Sheldon's memorial ride and service is posted on the Classic & Vintage forum.
Here's the link.

Memorial Ride (http://bikeforums.net/showpost.php?p=6133912&postcount=45)