Sheldon Brown: 1944 – 2008

Heart attack claims life of human bicycle encyclopedia

Sheldon Brown, the human encyclopedia of bicycling knowledge and a famous employee of Harris Cyclery in Massachusetts, died of a massive heart attack Sunday evening, February 3, according to his wife Harriet.

Advertisement MPU article

The 63-year-old bicycle expert was diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis in August 2007, limiting his prior upright bicycling and workload. His many trademarks include a longish gray leprechaun beard and shaved head. He was also well-known for patiently and thoroughly answering his 500 – 1000 daily emails.

Advertisement MPU article

Our thoughts are with Brown’s family during their time of loss. His contributions to the bicycle industry were great, and his enduring legacy shall be greater.