Reading about Tom Cuthbertson brought back a lot of memories. I bought his book shortly after I got my first bike, a Peugeot UO-8 in the early seventies. Since I had zero mechanical experience, I was intimidated by the prospect of learning to repair and maintain my bike. Yet Tom's book was so friendly, easy to understand, and with just the right sprinkling of humor that I gradually was able to take apart and reassemble just about every part of the bike. I spent many pleasant hours taking bearings apart and cleaning them till shiny, then readjusting them till they were just right. The illustrations were simple to comprehend and better than most books of the kind that had photos. Looking through my original copy now makes me realize how much simpler the vintage components were to maintain, especially for the home mechanic. The book is still a great reference for repair and maintenance of vintage componentry. R.I.P., Tom. Josh Berger Bronx, NY cino1947@aol.com In a message dated 10/10/2005 11:15:37 PM Eastern Daylight Time, classicrendezvous-request@bikelist.org writes:
My... Tom is a person who had a huge positive impact on so many of us. May all of us aspire to be as productive and creative and helpful....
Thanks Jim for bringing that to our attention,
Dale
Dale Brown cycles de ORO, Inc 1410 Mill Street Greensboro, NC 27408 USA 336-274-5959 http://www.cyclesdeoro.com http://www.classicrendezvous.com Giant, Specialized, Bianchi, Felt, Orbea, Litespeed, Kuota, Argon 18, Colnago, Landshark, Townie and other exotica. Member, board of directors, National Bicycle Dealers Association
-----Original Message----- From: Jim Langley <jim@jimlangley.net> To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Sent: Mon, 10 Oct 2005 15:46:52 -0700 Subject: [CR]Tom Cuthbertson (Anybody's Bike Book) dies of cancer
Some of you may have known that Tom Cutherbertson, who wrote Anybody's Bike Book, one of the cool things that helped fuel the 1970's 10-speed boom, was suffering with pancreatic cancer. I'm writing to let you know that he's at peace now. He died last night at home with his family. Besides writing his classic book, I believe Tom also helped bring cyclocross to the US, after traveling to England in the early 70s with Danny Nall and Charlie Murphy (?), to try out a new type of cycling. Tom was a skilled cyclist and a great guy. The family has asked that any donations be sent to Colleen Brokaw, 170 Peach Terrace, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. They will be used to pay the medical expenses and if there's any extra, it will go to the Salvation Army and Red Cross. Santa Cruz cyclists are also planning a fundraising memorial ride, details to be announced.
Thanks,
Jim Langley
Santa Cruz, CA