banerjek

I've been riding for quite awhile and many of my long term habits clearly identify me as a Fred. However, during the time I've been on BF, I've noticed that I've been gradually dropping these habits. I didn't even realize it myself until I was preparing for my commute today. I found myself intentionally choosing socks and a jersey that I knew would look good with my bike and shoes. Mind you, this is for a commute.

Then I realized that the disease has accelerated rapidly in recent months. I found myself wearing my best looking jerseys rather than my favorite ones at cycling events. I threw away my valve stem caps. Recent purchases have been made with some consideration for how they will be perceived by others who know something about bikes. And, a couple weeks ago, I actually shaved my legs. The only clear vestiges left on my bike are the frog pedals (but that's because of my knees and to maintain compatibility with my bents) and the seatpost rack which I use for commuting. OK, my bike's a Fuji, but it's set up well.

After decades of being a perfectly decent cyclist without doing any of this stuff, I was wondering why the heck I'm doing it now? I'll never be as fast as I used to be, and the best I can reasonably aspire to is to be one of those guys that others feel good about catching until they see I'm older than they are.

Is there a cure, and who gave me this disease? Also, for those who don't have it, what is the best prevention?

2Tired2Shift

I think it is a disease you catch from an overly-attentive mother during toilet training.

valygrl

OCP IS the cure, Fredness is the disease.

DMF 

Yes, and yes. (In that order.)

patentcad

Yes x 2.

Next question.

Bob Loblaw

I was with you up to the leg shaving part.

<shudder>

bnr40

Okay, I give up. What's 'Fredness" and 'OCP"?

Kuma

Do a quick search and you'll find more on these topics than you ever wanted to know.

Pheard

Giving into OCP is like selling your soul to the devil.

I didn't give in, and look at me. I'm to-tally cool.

asherlighn

Im with you on the parti color bike, thats cool. But those pedals are sacrilege.

edit: oh and flip it

GA_Roadbkr

Banerjek, if your avatar is a picture of you, then I suspect you still have some "fredness" left. Based on what you describe you seem to be moving away from the dark side and toward being OCP.

Pheard

I already did...

I flipped it UP!

waterrockets 

I have proven to be immune. Even when I was a DINK with two ridiculous incomes and no debt.

banerjek

Yeah, that's me. I've been an uberfred for a long time, so I doubt that all remnants of that will completely disappear. However, I'm just a little surprised that I waited until my speeds were dropping before bothering to try to look good on the road. I guess if I can't impress 'em with my speed, I can at least do it with my equipment