Word is getting out quickly in the cycling world about the passing of Sheldon Brown who suffered a fatal heart attack last night. For those non-bike people wondering who this bearded man with the funny helmet is, Sheldon Brown was one of the premier bike gurus, and I say that with little hyperbole. His website was a cornucopia of technical information, repair tips, DIY projects, essays, and history. I reference and refer others to the site regularly and I’m sure the information contained therein was only the tip of the iceberg when it came to the man’s knowledge. Additionally, Sheldon Brown was a regular contributor to various bicycle forums and message boards, and would personally respond to emails when people would ask for his help and advice.
On top of teaching me how to fix my own bikes, his articles on fixed gear riding are what inspired me (and I’m sure many others) to first try abandoning the “pernicious habit” of coasting and give fixed gears a spin. As an homage to the man, I named myfirst fixed gear conversion after him.
Mr. Brown, as someone who doesn’t follow professional cycling, in the bicycle world you are one of my heroes – unruly beard, funny helmet, and all. Thank you.
