Originally Posted by mollusk

+1

A true Fred is strong enough to hang on a fast and competitive group ride, at least for a good long while, while simultaneously not conforming to the strict racer fashion protocol. And they also don't give a crap if they are dropped. That is why they are feared and ridiculed; They totally disrupt the pecking order in the peleton causing great anxiety. Because Fred's don't conform to the roadie fashion it is also assumed that they might not be able to ride safely in a group of roadies. This is often, but not always, true.

A poseur is not feared because it is really easy to drop them.