Problem: Three Definitions of "Fred"
04-07-09, 01:10 PM
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Problem: Three Definitions of "Fred"
I have seen several threads recently on our good friend "Fred" (must be a rite of every spring). I've noticed that many of these threads get very heated, and I think I have a decent theory why: the term is used to mockingly describe two very different kinds of "annoying" riders plus a third category that really shouldn't be viewed as "annoying." The fact that different posters have different images in their heads leads to people talking past each other and getting angry.
First, you have the old guy who is riding a beater bike, often rocking a scraggly beard, wearing inappropriate cycling gear (skiing jacket, jean shorts, tennis shoes?) -- and who according to lore will often leave you in the dust. Second, you have the guy who has spent way too much on fancy gear -- carbon bike, pro team kit, fancy gadgets -- but completely lacks the skills to use them and cruises on the path at 15mph. Both stereotypes offend the elitist strain that exists among many cyclists, but in very different ways, most critically that the first type can occasionally elicit respect if bewilderment, while the second is generally just scorned.
That said, for the latter group, we should distinguish these "poseurs" who want to look the part but not put in the hard work to build up their skills from the many "enthusaists" who may have cool cycling gear because they genuinely love to ride but just haven't built up the skills of a racer (full disclosure: I think I'm in this category). I think it upsets enthusiasts to be considered "Freds" just because they don't race, belong to a cycling club, or spend $1000s on climbing camps, etc.
If you are genuinely passionate about cycling and work hard at it, but maybe have some better gear than your skills suggest, you should have nothing to be ashamed of, and the true die-hards should not lump them in with the "poseurs" who truly can be annoying to everyone. The original old "Freds" that leave you in the dust -- well, they probably don't care what you call them anyway.
That's my theory -- feel free to chime in.
First, you have the old guy who is riding a beater bike, often rocking a scraggly beard, wearing inappropriate cycling gear (skiing jacket, jean shorts, tennis shoes?) -- and who according to lore will often leave you in the dust. Second, you have the guy who has spent way too much on fancy gear -- carbon bike, pro team kit, fancy gadgets -- but completely lacks the skills to use them and cruises on the path at 15mph. Both stereotypes offend the elitist strain that exists among many cyclists, but in very different ways, most critically that the first type can occasionally elicit respect if bewilderment, while the second is generally just scorned.
That said, for the latter group, we should distinguish these "poseurs" who want to look the part but not put in the hard work to build up their skills from the many "enthusaists" who may have cool cycling gear because they genuinely love to ride but just haven't built up the skills of a racer (full disclosure: I think I'm in this category). I think it upsets enthusiasts to be considered "Freds" just because they don't race, belong to a cycling club, or spend $1000s on climbing camps, etc.
If you are genuinely passionate about cycling and work hard at it, but maybe have some better gear than your skills suggest, you should have nothing to be ashamed of, and the true die-hards should not lump them in with the "poseurs" who truly can be annoying to everyone. The original old "Freds" that leave you in the dust -- well, they probably don't care what you call them anyway.
That's my theory -- feel free to chime in.
Last edited by smessvader; 04-07-09 at 01:22 PM.
04-07-09, 01:14 PM
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wow -- what a thoughtful response...criticize my font selection...anyone else have something productive to add?
04-07-09, 01:20 PM
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must...follow...the herd...and obey directions on how to use a chat room...
is that all you do, go around and critique the way people post without bothering to actually read the post?? What a waste...why not turn off your computer and ride your bike.
is that all you do, go around and critique the way people post without bothering to actually read the post?? What a waste...why not turn off your computer and ride your bike.
04-07-09, 01:22 PM
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your font and color selection made me not want to read the post.
just being honest.
just being honest.
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04-07-09, 01:23 PM
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I stopped reading when I got to the word "Fred". Besides the fact it was in Blue Comic Sans MS.
I took your advice. Don't be upset.
I took your advice. Don't be upset.
04-07-09, 01:30 PM
#9
Has coddling tendencies.
Truth be told, I really don't care what anyone looks like or rides. On the opposite end of who I am as a cyclist are the beach cruiser dudes on their chopped and pimped moving works of art. We have very little in common as cyclists, but I can certainly appreciate the attention to detail and all the skills behind creating those show bikes. Whenever riding, I'm pretty much happy seeing anyone else out there riding too, no matter their appearance, clothing or bike.
For me, the ongoing Fred Wars are all about locker room talk and good fun.
For me, the ongoing Fred Wars are all about locker room talk and good fun.
04-07-09, 01:30 PM
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OK, chatroom police, I've changed my font because the last thing I personally want to do is give two sh&ts about format over substance. I just get bored of plain black font but MESSAGE RECEIVED.
04-07-09, 01:30 PM
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...of bandwith, your post is.
possibly.
try again. fail again. fail better.
just back from 2.5 hours on the bike.
04-07-09, 01:32 PM
#12
Has coddling tendencies.
Be honest, you're just trolling, right? You seriously think others are being serious in their critique?
04-07-09, 01:35 PM
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04-07-09, 01:43 PM
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04-07-09, 01:56 PM
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I've read your post and determined you can't distinguish a Fred from a Poseur.
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04-07-09, 01:59 PM
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Lolin'
Racer could be on a recovery ride, so you have to be careful where you're painting with the poseur brush. Actually, most racers are poseurs from a pro's perspective, so yeah everyone is either a pro, a poseur or a Fred. I think the easiest way to tell the difference between a Fred and a poseur is what kind of pedals they have on their road bike.
Platform pedals = Fred
Toe clips in 2009 = Fred
Clipless pedals and not in the pro peloton = Poseur
There are exceptions, but this is probably the one thing you can look at that is most effective. I fall into the latter Fred pedal group.
Racer could be on a recovery ride, so you have to be careful where you're painting with the poseur brush. Actually, most racers are poseurs from a pro's perspective, so yeah everyone is either a pro, a poseur or a Fred. I think the easiest way to tell the difference between a Fred and a poseur is what kind of pedals they have on their road bike.
Platform pedals = Fred
Toe clips in 2009 = Fred
Clipless pedals and not in the pro peloton = Poseur
There are exceptions, but this is probably the one thing you can look at that is most effective. I fall into the latter Fred pedal group.
04-07-09, 02:02 PM
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Lolin'
Racer could be on a recovery ride, so you have to be careful where you're painting with the poseur brush. Actually, most racers are poseurs from a pro's perspective, so yeah everyone is either a pro, a poseur or a Fred. I think the easiest way to tell the difference between a Fred and a poseur is what kind of pedals they have on their road bike.
Platform pedals = Fred
Toe clips in 2009 = Fred
Clipless pedals and not in the pro peloton = Poseur
There are exceptions, but this is probably the one thing you can look at that is most effective. I fall into the latter Fred pedal group.
Racer could be on a recovery ride, so you have to be careful where you're painting with the poseur brush. Actually, most racers are poseurs from a pro's perspective, so yeah everyone is either a pro, a poseur or a Fred. I think the easiest way to tell the difference between a Fred and a poseur is what kind of pedals they have on their road bike.
Platform pedals = Fred
Toe clips in 2009 = Fred
Clipless pedals and not in the pro peloton = Poseur
There are exceptions, but this is probably the one thing you can look at that is most effective. I fall into the latter Fred pedal group.
__________________
"When you are chewing the bars at the business end of a 90 mile road race you really dont care what gear you have hanging from your bike so long as it works."
ΛΧΑ ΔΞ179 - 15% off your first Hammer Nutrition order!
"When you are chewing the bars at the business end of a 90 mile road race you really dont care what gear you have hanging from your bike so long as it works."
ΛΧΑ ΔΞ179 - 15% off your first Hammer Nutrition order!
04-07-09, 02:06 PM
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Lolin'
Racer could be on a recovery ride, so you have to be careful where you're painting with the poseur brush. Actually, most racers are poseurs from a pro's perspective, so yeah everyone is either a pro, a poseur or a Fred. I think the easiest way to tell the difference between a Fred and a poseur is what kind of pedals they have on their road bike.
Platform pedals = Fred
Toe clips in 2009 = Fred
Clipless pedals and not in the pro peloton = Poseur
There are exceptions, but this is probably the one thing you can look at that is most effective. I fall into the latter Fred pedal group.
Racer could be on a recovery ride, so you have to be careful where you're painting with the poseur brush. Actually, most racers are poseurs from a pro's perspective, so yeah everyone is either a pro, a poseur or a Fred. I think the easiest way to tell the difference between a Fred and a poseur is what kind of pedals they have on their road bike.
Platform pedals = Fred
Toe clips in 2009 = Fred
Clipless pedals and not in the pro peloton = Poseur
There are exceptions, but this is probably the one thing you can look at that is most effective. I fall into the latter Fred pedal group.
So, unless you are a pro, you are either a fred or a poseur.
04-07-09, 02:08 PM
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Nothing to see here, just someone else who takes BF, the term fred and himself way too seriously.
Time to ride home IN THE FREAKING APRIL SNOW!
Time to ride home IN THE FREAKING APRIL SNOW!
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"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
04-07-09, 02:08 PM
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Now you're catching on.
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"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey