Originally Posted by Cromulent
The way I understand it, though definitions vary, a "Fred" is a utilitarian cyclist. He or she may ride to work, to the store, and for recreation, but the main emphasis is on gear and a riding style that gets him or her from point 'A' to point 'B'. Think hybrid bikes with panniers, racks, fenders, lots and lots of lights, reflective tape, hi-vis yellow jackets, and mirrors. The more mirrors the better. The more helmets the better. Freds generally abhor speed and spandex, though not always.
An alternate definition of "Fred" is a roadie who isn't quite with it style-wise. Those who might mix and match their colors - shoes that don't go with their jersey and their gloves and shorts. He or she might wear baggy MTB shorts or shorts over their lycra. This type of "Fred" would never, ever shave his legs. Unless she happens to be a she... and then not always.
These are the definitions of a Fred as I happen to understand them. YMMV.
Yea, same here, more or less.
I've heard the same for the first definition, and I am most definitely that particular "Fred" - a utility cyclist/tourist, though none of my bikes are 'hybrids'.
But for the latter definition, I've just heard that it's anyone who dresses the part, spends all the money, gets the full team kit and the super bike, but has nothing at all to do with the competitive aspect of cycling and has no business getting all tricked out on his Madone, because he only rides it on (some) weekends and isn't in the greatest of shape - I suppose
poseur would be the nearest word for it.
In any case, it's funny enough and all, but it does smack a little bit of the whole, "who's a
real cyclist and who isn't" nonsense, I think.
EDIT: What diablo said.