Just call me Fredicus Magnus.

As for where the term came from, there are two schools of thought.

There's a guy who's a legend among bicyclists. (I don't even know if he really existed or not, to tell the truth) In the early 1900s he went on a cross country bicycle trip and had all sorts of adventures. I'll bet he was one tough cookie. I've heard that his first name was Fred and that 'utility' type bicyclists are referred to as such out of a sort of deference to this guy.

But, really, I don't believe this.

I think that the term probably came from the roadies and it was meant as an insult. They're accusing us of being a sort-of "Ward Cleaver" clueless dork who doesnt' have any idea what he's doing.

We, knowing a lot more about what really counts than they think, have appropriated the name as a badge of honor.