Thought it is hard to believe, it has been one year since the passing of the one of the world’s most knowledgeable (and prolific) bicycle mechanics.

Sheldon Brown died the evening of February 3rd, 2008 in his Massachusetts home. His death came somewhat unexpectedly to the cycling community, although he was very public about his ongoing bout with multiple sclerosis.  Since I never met Sheldon in person, it seems strange that I keep re-mourning his death; although his “eagle” photo is a reminder of his passing, he is still alive through the annals of his website.

Like many other curious bicycle tinkerers, I constantly refer to his website.  It seems that I can always gleen some little detail that I missed before … a word of caution or maybe a subtle joke.  The breadth and depth of his knowledge is very very impressive; take a look at his articles on gearing and drivetrains and you immediately see yourself standing along side a Master.

Above all, his most impressive characteristic was a willingness to share his accumulated knowledge.  He wrote about everything … from defining crass cycling terminology to home-grown lefthand drive bicycles.   And the volume of information on his website is really staggering … between his writtings and the pages he produced for his employer, Harris Cyclery, there are approximately 3,600 individual webpages.

Although most people (myself included) only knew Sheldon through his prolific bicycle-centric writing, it is also readily apparent that he was much more.  He was active in his local community, he traveled abroad, and he was a devoted family man.  And most importantly, Sheldon was a good natured person who never took himself too seriously.

Thanks again, Sheldon.  You have inspired us all to be a little better.

Please consider making a memorial donation in Sheldon Brown’s honor.