Who will replace Sheldon Brown?

The passing of a normal average humble bicycle mechanic would hardly raise the interest of the local newspaper. Sheldon Brown could not be categorised as either normal or average.

The fact that this humble bicycle mechanic's passing has been acknowledged, with regret, in virtually every cycling forum speaks volumes for the esteem in which he is held.

He compiled such a vastly comprehensive reference for bicycle maintenance, in public domain, that the need for a replacement is greatly reduced. (IMHO) It is most likely that Harris Cyclery will continue to maintain the site and add to it. It shares much of its reknown, respect and repution with him for making it possible.

I believe the information is not his greatest legacy. Reading through his many articles it is hard to miss that this bloke really loved bicycles, loved writing about them, and loved fixing them. Most of all he loved helping others to love cycling. Riding a well maintained bike tweaked to near perfection makes cycling a lot easier to love.

So while the information will survive in one form or another. The love of cycling that he inspired will only expand.

Possibly taking his place will be many thousands of new lovers of cycling.

Yes, the passing of Sheldon Brown is indeed a sad story. I think we can all agree that his website is a gold mine of knowledge and stories. Although there are a lot of people who have heard of him and even interacted with him, there are a lot more who haven't. The best we can do is pass on what we learned from him to other cyclists and make reference to it.

I love his tip about taking a 9-speed cassette, removing the 9th gear, and putting the remaining 8 gears on a 7 speed hub. It blew me away when I read that on his site and then I tried it. Works beautifully! This is the trick I pass on to others.

I wouldn't be surprised if one day his family publishes his information in some sort of book.

Nobody will be able to replace Sheldon Brown. He forgot more about bicycles than most of us will ever know. From what I've read, he seemed like a kind, generous person who loved helping others. This is really sad.

Oh my no...

I met Sheldon years ago over the 'net. He was a member of Team Internet (free-form bicycle racing team) and he had all kinds of yarns. One of the quickest, wittiest people I have ever known.

God speed, Sheldon. May the roads be all paved and the wind at your back.

I am deeply saddened. I never knew the man, but through his web postings I felt as if I did.

There very well never be a replacement for Sheldon Brown, "dodgy beard" and all. (as Mr. G has said many times) He was one of a kind.

RIP Sheldon, my next tour is dedicated in your memory.

There is not set time or mileage. You need to measure the chain, as it wears out it will stretch. You can take a good ruler and measure 12 inches. From the 0 inch mark to the 12 inch mark the center of the chain link pins should be on the lines, if not time to replace the chain.

I'm very sorry to hear this. Sheldon helped more people do what they love then anyone I know. You will be missed by family, friends and fans alike.

He is now riding a bicycle with wheels made of clouds and all he has to do is pop in to the jetstream to blow us all away! RIP Sheldon.

Who will take his place? Perhaps Jim Langley. My .02 cents!

Wow. The cycling world will be the poorer for the loss of Sheldon.

I had the opportunity to meet him and he was among the most knowledgable people I had ever met.

I found a link with more details:

http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/sheldon-brow...

RIP