Originally Posted by
mcours2006
By 'Fred' I am assuming this is some kind of euphemism for someone who's sort of a 'serious' roadie and indulges in the obligatory attire.
fred 1)
n. a person who spends a lot of money on his bike and clothing, but still can't ride. "What a fred -- too much Lycra and titanium and not enough skill." Synonym for
poser. Occasionally called a "barney".
2)
n. a person who has a mishmash of old gear, does't care at all about technology or fashion, didn't race or follow racing, etc. Often identified by chainring marks on white calf socks. Used by "serious" roadies to disparage utility cyclists and touring riders, especially after these totally unfashionable "freds" drop the "serious" roadies on hills because the "serious" guys were really posers. This term is from road touring and, according to popular myth, "Fred" was a well-known grumpy old touring rider, who really was named Fred.
I'm a "fred" 2) n.
A slow old rider on a slow old bike who quickly gets left in the dust on the flats, but often ends up gaining on those "faster" riders on hills.
Doesn't really mean anything other than how one typically rides.