February 5, 2008 – Bicycle mechanic sage, Sheldon Brown, 63, of Newtonville, Massachusetts, died of a heart attack on Sunday, February 3. Brown, a cycling enthusiast, famous bicycle mechanic, bicycle collector and advisor to mechanics around the globe was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in August 2007.

According to his bio on Wikipedia, Brown lost the ability to balance on a traditional bicycle due to the disease, but he didn’t let that stop him from turning the pedals. He continued to ride on a recumbant tricycle, accompanied by his close and renowned friend, Igor, a golden eagle figurine mounted to his helmet.

Brown wrote extensive manuals on bicycle mechanics, including a wheelbuilding guide on his web site www.sheldonbrown.com. He worked for the Harris Cyclery, in West Newton, Massachusettsas as “Parts Manager, Webmaster and general Tech Guru.” Brown actively participated in bicycle repair forums and in many cases, his responses to technical questions were marked with: AASHTA (As Always, Sheldon Has The Answer).

Brown is survived by his wife, Harriet, and two children, Tova and George.