BigBlueBOTTLE

It is a sad day for the cycling world. Yesterday, we learned about the passing of one of the best mechanical minds in the Bicycle Industry. Sheldon Brown, “Parts Manager, Webmaster and general Tech Guru” of Harris Cyclery in West Newton, Massachusetts, died on February 3rd, 2008 after a heart attack. Sheldon Brown was diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis in August 2007. We don’t know if the two things are related, but we do know that as the debilitation took hold of him, he was still able to practice his love of cycling through the use of a recumbent tricycle.

Sheldon’s knowledge of our favorite sport (cycling) made him one of the most highly sought-after sources for troubleshooting, suggestions, and advice on bicycle building, repairs, and maintenance. Sheldon knew more about the tight tolerances of any bike part than the respective manufacturers of said parts admitted to in their detailed specification sheets. He specifically helped me configure my gearing for my participation in the 2004 Mount Washington Auto Road Bike Race, and put together the specs for my Cyclocross Bicycle.

These details and more can be found at the Wikipedia entry recently created on this cycling legend here.

Godspeed, Sheldon Brown. You will be missed.

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