Alt Bike Culture - Sheldon!!!

I thought that the best way to remember him on this forum was by some of the alt bikes he built.

http://sheldonbrown.org/images/kkt.jpeg

http://sheldonbrown.org/images/Green_Planet.JPEG

http://sheldonbrown.org/images/kidbikeback-1-89.jpg

http://sheldonbrown.org/images/ranger-duck.jpeg

Sheldon Brown's Bicycles (http://sheldonbrown.org/bicycle.html)

What a great idea!

I know Sheldon would love it :) . Besides being a repository of knowledge about the mechanics of bicycles, he was a fun lovin' guy!

East Hill

Great idea Artkansas!

I don't thnk this is as alt as you had in mind, but I've always loved this Thorn.

http://sheldonbrown.org/thorn/images/thorn.jpg

RIP Sheldon, cool guy.

A fine idea, that is a great tribute, to a man of innovation. RIP Sheldon Brown (http://bike-journeys.blogspot.com/2008/02/sheldon-brown-rip.html)

Great idea Artkansas!

I don't thnk this is as alt as you had in mind, but I've always loved this Thorn.


A fixie with two sets of handlebars. The sprung Brooks on a bent seat post. That's pretty alt. ;) Pretty cool. He'll be missed.

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

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

Check with Harris Cyclery. It has been suggested doing MS Rides across the country as Team Sheldon Brown.

Check with Harris Cyclery. It has been suggested doing MS Rides across the country as Team Sheldon Brown.

I contacted Harris Cyclery, and apparently Sheldon would not approve of the MS ride in his name.

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

I think his problem with Thons was not so much with the 'thon itself, but that they tended to attract non-cyclists or very casual cyclists who weren't up to the physical challenge and might be put off from cycling because of the hardship.

Chris

I think his problem with Thons was not so much with the 'thon itself, but that they tended to attract non-cyclists or very casual cyclists who weren't up to the physical challenge and might be put off from cycling because of the hardship.

Chris

Sheldon said...
"Altough "thons" do get people out on their bikes, and maybe even bring some people into cycling in a serious way, I believe that they send a message that cycling is a painful, unpleasant chore that you should do because it is good for you, or because it benefits some charitable organization. Too many well-meaning people sign up for a long pledge ride without an adequate mileage base, with substandard cycling skills and equipment. These people will "learn" that bicycling is about pain and exhaustion, saddle sores and sunburn, aching knees and stiff necks.

An experience like this can turn a potential cyclist off for life. They may still ride an occasional pledge ride, as a masochistic exercise in self denial, or because of dedication to the cause, or because they are so proud of surviving the ordeal. They will likely never discover the simple joy of going for a nice bike ride and not coming home a physical wreck."

I don't think it's a problem in Alt-Bikes though. I don't know any forum that has as much fun with bicycles.

yeah sheldon offered alot and it is appreciated by cyclists round the world.

RIP Sheldon Brown, my inspiration, my hero