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Rest In Peace, Sheldon Brown…

February 4th, 2008 by Noah

Although I’ve only been into fixing my own bicycles for about a year, I’ve found an endless wealth of knowledge in Sheldon Brown’s writings and instructions.  Sheldon was easily one of the most patient, kind, and passionate wrenches I’ve ever crossed paths with.  According to the Wikipedia Article, he died last night of a massive heart attack sometime last night, Feb 3, 2008.  Even with that, there was tech advice from Sheldon posted on BikeForums at 9:31PM in his own time zone.  It’s likely that he passed away helping people fix bikes, which seems like just the way he would have wanted to go.

Sheldon was never afraid to make the best of a seemingly bad situation.  Last year, he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis but you’d have a hard time saying that he suffered from it.  He seemed to relish in it, in fact!

Sheldon, you will be missed.  Your knowledge, positive outlook, inspiration, and kindness will never be forgotten.

8 Responses to “Rest In Peace, Sheldon Brown…”

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  1. 1 Guitar Ted  on Feb 4th, 2008 at 9:20 pm

    Well said, Noah.

    My condolences to the Brown family and friends.

  2. 2 brint  on Feb 5th, 2008 at 1:13 am

    Nicely said, and very sad. Sheldon helped a lot of people - probably more than he knew - and he’ll be missed.

  3. 3 Vangelis  on Feb 5th, 2008 at 4:26 am

    My condolences to the family…

    The word of bicycle lost a great teacher…and yes his helping hand was extended, with the help of the net, as far as Greece..

    Thank you Sheldon and ” kalo taxidi” ( have a nice journey)

  4. 4 gil  on Feb 5th, 2008 at 2:07 pm

    sad news

  5. 5 Fred  on Feb 9th, 2008 at 11:51 am

    I have been wrenching bikes for ten years and I consider myself a pretty good bike mechanic. That being said I am not qualified to be Sheldon’s gofer. This man had so much Knowledge about bikes and the enthusiasm and selflessness in which he presented it is unheard of. I built my first SS with his help ( via website). I have literally spent hours maybe even days learning from his website. He will be greatly missed and my condolences go out to his family and friends. I hope they take solace in the fact that his spirit lives on in everyone he has helped over the years. Godspeed Sheldon.

    Fred

  6. 6 tom  on Feb 14th, 2008 at 12:41 am

    To me, the word Renaissance man comes to mind, I believe he spoke other languages and of course, had his musical interests but above all; mechanical or not, you’ve got to be creative to figure out some of the problems and methods he did with bicycles. Thanks Captain Bike for everything!

  7. 7 test  on Feb 15th, 2008 at 11:55 pm

    Why wasn’t my post here?

  8. 8 Bruce Darby  on Feb 22nd, 2008 at 7:33 pm

    I was shocked and sadden by the news. I have been exchanging emails with him lately and received and email he sent me at 5:32 PM in his time zone on day he died.

    He lived his life helping people with their bikes all the way to the end.

    He will be missed.

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