Just a tribute. I grew up near Harris Cyclery and Sheldon Brown taught me wrenching basics when I was a kid (including advice I ignored — never open a Sturmey-Archer hub). The last time I saw him was in Fall of 1997. I got a volpe (green of course) on a pro deal and brought the box into the store. He helped me build it into a touring bike and I rode it through two dozen countries. I still have that bike and sometimes race it in a local cross series. RIP.
by NoSoNattyProfessor
5 Comments
The site is still up…
Got my first bike from Harris in the mid ’80’s. Don’t remember much, but I think went on some rides with him with Charles River Wheelmen. I was a kid, but my mom had done some distance rides and knew him fairly well
site is still up though
The site was down earlier for a server change.
I used to chat with him on rec.bicycles.tech way back. Really nice, and knew so much he could almost read minds enough to predict bicycle questions. He taught me all about bearing adjusting and coaster brakes.
Jobst Brandt was around there too. Lots of folks disliked him. He was abrasive, but could still be helpful. I sort of vaguely recall the two butting heads on occasion, but I could be misremembering that. It’s been a while.
That’s a cool story. Thanks for sharing.