Thanks Sheldon Brown...
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 513
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 28 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
3 Posts
Thanks Sheldon Brown...
I was reading this article: https://hbr.org/2013/04/in-the-compan...rs-and-takers/ which questions whether you are a "Giver" or a "Taker" at work. I immediately though of the late, GREAT Sheldon Brown. This guy was the ultimate GIVER, and as a result helped others to be more effective.
His website is still a constant reference for me: https://sheldonbrown.com/
And he happens to have over 2000 posts here: https://www.bikeforums.net/search.php?searchid=7386281
(& started threads: https://www.bikeforums.net/search.php?searchid=7386539 )
So thanks Sheldon, we never met, but I appreciate you still.
His website is still a constant reference for me: https://sheldonbrown.com/
And he happens to have over 2000 posts here: https://www.bikeforums.net/search.php?searchid=7386281
(& started threads: https://www.bikeforums.net/search.php?searchid=7386539 )
So thanks Sheldon, we never met, but I appreciate you still.
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times
in
1,417 Posts
Sheldon replied personally to a couple of my emails. It was awesome. I wish I had saved them.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: London, UK
Posts: 2,719
Bikes: 2006 road bike, 2012 cx bike, 2012 carbon rb, 2014 hardtail
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I've used the information Sheldon so generously contributed; he was genuinely a very good person and knew his subject intimately. I will dedicate tomorrow's bike ride to him. My best wishes continue for his family and close friends who continue to promote the website and Harris Cyclery.
@Erik: good link about the givers and takers.
@Erik: good link about the givers and takers.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: England, currently dividing my time between university in Guildford and home just outside Reading
Posts: 1,921
Bikes: Too many to list here!
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
2 Posts
Sheldon's website was what properly got me into working on bikes, which was part of what made me want to study engineering. Volunteering as a mechanic at a bike co-op helped me get a year's pre-university work placement with a company who are now sponsoring me through university. Through the co-op I also got involved with a group of people who had a mind-bogglingly huge impact on my life, in ways I'd never have expected. All because Sheldon's article on cantilever brakes came up when I googled "bicycle cantilever brake adjustment" after getting exasperated trying to adjust the brakes on my brother's bike without really understanding how they worked.
Without Sheldon, I really wouldn't be where I am today. It sounds corny, but it's true!
Without Sheldon, I really wouldn't be where I am today. It sounds corny, but it's true!
#6
Team Beer
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Sacramento CA
Posts: 6,338
Bikes: Too Many
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 113 Post(s)
Liked 157 Times
in
103 Posts
I have been often amazed at the people I've been able to talk to through this forum. From Sheldon Brown to Richard Sachs. All very helpful and generous with both their time and experience.
__________________
I'm not one for fawning over bicycles, but I do believe that our bikes communicate with us, and what this bike is saying is, "You're an idiot." BikeSnobNYC
I'm not one for fawning over bicycles, but I do believe that our bikes communicate with us, and what this bike is saying is, "You're an idiot." BikeSnobNYC
#7
bike whisperer
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Melbourne, Oz
Posts: 9,533
Bikes: https://weightweenies.starbike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=152015&p=1404231
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1520 Post(s)
Liked 716 Times
in
508 Posts
Sheldon's website was what properly got me into working on bikes, which was part of what made me want to study engineering. Volunteering as a mechanic at a bike co-op helped me get a year's pre-university work placement with a company who are now sponsoring me through university. Through the co-op I also got involved with a group of people who had a mind-bogglingly huge impact on my life, in ways I'd never have expected. All because Sheldon's article on cantilever brakes came up when I googled "bicycle cantilever brake adjustment" after getting exasperated trying to adjust the brakes on my brother's bike without really understanding how they worked.
Without Sheldon, I really wouldn't be where I am today. It sounds corny, but it's true!
Without Sheldon, I really wouldn't be where I am today. It sounds corny, but it's true!
__________________
Sheldon Brown's bike info ~~~ Park Tools repair help
Half-step triple, using double gear ~~~ 6400 STI rebuild walkthrough ~~~ Want 8/9/10s @126mm OLD? OCR. ~~~ Shimano cassette body overhaul ~~~ Ergopower Escape wear repair ~~~ PSA: drivetrain wear
List of US/Canada bike co-ops ~~~ Global list
Sheldon Brown's bike info ~~~ Park Tools repair help
Half-step triple, using double gear ~~~ 6400 STI rebuild walkthrough ~~~ Want 8/9/10s @126mm OLD? OCR. ~~~ Shimano cassette body overhaul ~~~ Ergopower Escape wear repair ~~~ PSA: drivetrain wear
List of US/Canada bike co-ops ~~~ Global list
#8
Senior Member
Not long after his passing, I painted a bike. To honor Sheldon I made a decal of his picture with the words 'Thanks Sheldon' as a head badge. It was a small tribute to someone that freely gave up his knowlege for others to use. He also had a great sense of humor. People that are 'in the know' will look at my head badge and make a comment, or just smile.
Thanks Sheldon.
Thanks Sheldon.
#9
Senior Member
The more I read his stuff and the more I learn about him, the more I like Sheldon Brown. For years, I lived 5 minutes from his shop but sadly never went in. I didn't know him, but he seemed like a great example of a happy man who had successfully found his place in life. He used his infectious passion for bikes to enhance the cycling community world wide. Obviously he touched a lot of people. The man has been dead for years and here we are still praising him despite the fact that few of us actually knew him. It goes to show that kindness, practicality, lack of pretention and encyclopedic expertise can turn even a bicycle mechanic into people's hero.
Likes For Hiro11:
#10
bike whisperer
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Melbourne, Oz
Posts: 9,533
Bikes: https://weightweenies.starbike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=152015&p=1404231
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1520 Post(s)
Liked 716 Times
in
508 Posts
Heh, accidentally did an image search with the terms 'python bike mechanic' instead of a video search, and the third pic was Sheldon.
This goes here.
We simply must have a pic.
We simply must have a pic.
__________________
Sheldon Brown's bike info ~~~ Park Tools repair help
Half-step triple, using double gear ~~~ 6400 STI rebuild walkthrough ~~~ Want 8/9/10s @126mm OLD? OCR. ~~~ Shimano cassette body overhaul ~~~ Ergopower Escape wear repair ~~~ PSA: drivetrain wear
List of US/Canada bike co-ops ~~~ Global list
Sheldon Brown's bike info ~~~ Park Tools repair help
Half-step triple, using double gear ~~~ 6400 STI rebuild walkthrough ~~~ Want 8/9/10s @126mm OLD? OCR. ~~~ Shimano cassette body overhaul ~~~ Ergopower Escape wear repair ~~~ PSA: drivetrain wear
List of US/Canada bike co-ops ~~~ Global list
#11
You Know!? For Kids!
I remember Sheldon popping in to answer questions, esp. if his name was mentioned. I also remember the humble way he dealt with the curves life through at him in a gentle, courageous, encouraging way. The world was a better place with Sheldon Brown in it.
__________________
Are you a registered member? Why not? Click here to register. It's free and only takes 27 seconds! Help out the forums, abide by our community guidelines.
Are you a registered member? Why not? Click here to register. It's free and only takes 27 seconds! Help out the forums, abide by our community guidelines.
#12
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
He inspired this... he told me he was looking forward to seeing the finished build but passed away before I was done.
His website the the data and resources it provides are an incredible resource and should serve many generations of cyclists whether they are recreational riders or hackers.
As a member he was always helpful to provide information and was an outstanding communicator.
His website the the data and resources it provides are an incredible resource and should serve many generations of cyclists whether they are recreational riders or hackers.
As a member he was always helpful to provide information and was an outstanding communicator.
#13
You Know!? For Kids!
As a side note, the golden eagle symbol next to user names is a tribute to Sheldon and his helmet mounted eagle. Users can earn an eagle by making a donation to a cycling related charity in memory of Sheldon. https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ars-blue-stars
__________________
Are you a registered member? Why not? Click here to register. It's free and only takes 27 seconds! Help out the forums, abide by our community guidelines.
Are you a registered member? Why not? Click here to register. It's free and only takes 27 seconds! Help out the forums, abide by our community guidelines.
Last edited by jsharr; 04-16-13 at 10:24 AM.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: England, currently dividing my time between university in Guildford and home just outside Reading
Posts: 1,921
Bikes: Too many to list here!
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
2 Posts
As a side note, the golden eagle symbol next to user names is a tribute to Sheldon and his helmet mounted eagle. Users can earn an eagle by making a donation to a cycling related charity in memory of Sheldon. https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ars-blue-stars
#15
bike whisperer
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Melbourne, Oz
Posts: 9,533
Bikes: https://weightweenies.starbike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=152015&p=1404231
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1520 Post(s)
Liked 716 Times
in
508 Posts
Also, that Python skit is so great I had to make a gif.
__________________
Sheldon Brown's bike info ~~~ Park Tools repair help
Half-step triple, using double gear ~~~ 6400 STI rebuild walkthrough ~~~ Want 8/9/10s @126mm OLD? OCR. ~~~ Shimano cassette body overhaul ~~~ Ergopower Escape wear repair ~~~ PSA: drivetrain wear
List of US/Canada bike co-ops ~~~ Global list
Sheldon Brown's bike info ~~~ Park Tools repair help
Half-step triple, using double gear ~~~ 6400 STI rebuild walkthrough ~~~ Want 8/9/10s @126mm OLD? OCR. ~~~ Shimano cassette body overhaul ~~~ Ergopower Escape wear repair ~~~ PSA: drivetrain wear
List of US/Canada bike co-ops ~~~ Global list
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: NW UK
Posts: 418
Bikes: 1992 Marin Eldridge Grade, 2007 Kona PHD and 199? Trek 1000 (current build project)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I also must say a belated thanks to (the Sainted) Sheldon Brown - everytime I had a question regarding bike maintenance or standards, as well as the odd Usenet or forum post, I always seemed to end up at his site.
Much thanks to the late man himself, and those who have taken up the torch, keeping his site up and live (Harris Cyclery and Joh Allen(?)) for all to read and learn from even after the great man's passing.
Much thanks to the late man himself, and those who have taken up the torch, keeping his site up and live (Harris Cyclery and Joh Allen(?)) for all to read and learn from even after the great man's passing.
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 461
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
A friend used to say that "we live in the Age of Information, which hopefully will be followed by the Age of Correct Information". Think about all the rubbish on the internet today. Sheldon's information was invariably accurate.
#18
You Know!? For Kids!
You can, I believe support any cyclist doing a charity ride, etc, in Sheldon's memory and qualify for an eagle. Not sure. I would ask in the help forum or send a PM to a mod or admin.
__________________
Are you a registered member? Why not? Click here to register. It's free and only takes 27 seconds! Help out the forums, abide by our community guidelines.
Are you a registered member? Why not? Click here to register. It's free and only takes 27 seconds! Help out the forums, abide by our community guidelines.
#19
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
#20
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,639
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Mentioned: 507 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7251 Post(s)
Liked 2,322 Times
in
1,357 Posts
leob1, that's quite a touching tribute.
There's a chance I met him once. I went into the Broadway Bike Coop, or whatever it was called, in 1980, and a burly bearded man spoke with me, and I know he worked there then.
There's a chance I met him once. I went into the Broadway Bike Coop, or whatever it was called, in 1980, and a burly bearded man spoke with me, and I know he worked there then.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Last edited by noglider; 04-16-13 at 06:02 PM.
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: North Queensland, Australia
Posts: 172
Bikes: '93 Cadex CFM3, '84 Repco Nishiki Olympic 12,'87 Peugeot Montblanc, '09 Giant Trance X1, '13 De Rosa R838
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Not long after his passing, I painted a bike. To honor Sheldon I made a decal of his picture with the words 'Thanks Sheldon' as a head badge. It was a small tribute to someone that freely gave up his knowlege for others to use. He also had a great sense of humor. People that are 'in the know' will look at my head badge and make a comment, or just smile.
Thanks Sheldon.
Thanks Sheldon.
#22
Si Senior
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Naperville, Illinois
Posts: 2,669
Bikes: Too Numerous (not)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 23 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times
in
8 Posts
Not long after his passing, I painted a bike. To honor Sheldon I made a decal of his picture with the words 'Thanks Sheldon' as a head badge. It was a small tribute to someone that freely gave up his knowlege for others to use. He also had a great sense of humor. People that are 'in the know' will look at my head badge and make a comment, or just smile.
Thanks Sheldon.
Thanks Sheldon.
#23
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 513
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 28 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
3 Posts
I remember being very surprised when I heard that Sheldon died. It had seemed to me that just up to that point he was active on the forums and describing his own riding and bike building. I think he will always be a mythical figure in my mind (we never met in person). Especially when I calculate gear ratios!
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Sequim, Washington on the Olympic Peninsula
Posts: 438
Bikes: Co-Motion Mocha, Fuji touring, Trex hybrid, Bike Friday Tandem Traveler
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
He left quite a legacy.
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: England, currently dividing my time between university in Guildford and home just outside Reading
Posts: 1,921
Bikes: Too many to list here!
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
2 Posts
I'd forgotten it was Sheldon who came up with the idea of using gain ratios... Yet another way in which his legacy will go on, and possibly one of the more enduring ones, at that. As long as bikes still use chain drive, it'll be a very logical method for doing the maths to compare gearing.
I think my original post still understates how much of an effect Sheldon has ended up having on me, to be honest!
I think my original post still understates how much of an effect Sheldon has ended up having on me, to be honest!
Likes For Airburst: