Newb question - What/Who is Fred?
10-08-08 | 08:25 PM
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,819
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From: Ohio
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.
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.
10-09-08 | 06:47 AM
#4
Infamous Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 24,360
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From: Ohio
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
If you gotta ask, you're probably a Fred. 
__________________
"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
10-09-08 | 08:35 AM
#5
An Army of Fred
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,003
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From: Lost South of Nowhere East of Edan On the Waterfront Far from the Madding Crowd (Biloxi, MS)
Bikes: 1992 Specialized Crossroads Trail
10-09-08 | 12:10 PM
#8
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Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Beaverton, OR
Bikes: Yes
This is exaclty why I pull my white calf socks down. The chainring marks are easier to wipe off your leg so as to avoid identification.
10-09-08 | 01:28 PM
#9
Thread Starter
insert witty comment here
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 846
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From: Dallas Texas
Bikes: 2016 Specialized AWOL, 2011 Electra Bike Ticino, '09 Trek 7.2 FX, Peugeot UE 18
Well due to buget constraints I ride entry level bikes, and although I wear a cycle jersey and shorts (with no cushy stuff in the crotch) and proper length socks, I forakse mountain or road shoes for my trusty Vans. Most importanly I NEVER ride on any roads and instead stick to paved paths. Oh and I wear a Bell Citi helmet only because it doesn't look like what everyone else is wearing (those space ship helmets with the duck tail in back).
I suspect this either makes me a closet fred or possibly a garden variety dork :-)
I suspect this either makes me a closet fred or possibly a garden variety dork :-)
10-09-08 | 01:31 PM
#10
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 40,863
Likes: 3,115
From: Sacramento, California, USA
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
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.
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 still don't think that 1) describes a Fred. That's a guy who's all bike and no legs.
10-09-08 | 01:51 PM
#11
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,380
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From: Northern Colorado
On BF, it pretty much means anybody that loves to ride on the road, and spends a lot of time doing it, but is not interested in racing or averaging over 20 mph. A predilection for safety, and other non-style or "cool looking" gear is often a great indicator to "real roadies".
So, if you ride enough to be able to enjoy a nicer bike, and decent riding gear, but are still slow, and have lots of things on your body and bike that have nothing to do with going faster (bigger bags, reflective clothing, extra head/tail lights, lots of repair gear, etc.), you are a Fred.
There are various derivations here on BF, and people disagree about what a real Fred is too.
Most people think that the term "Fred" came from a real-life guy from the US state of Georgia named Fred Birchmore, that cycled around the world and wrote a book about it. He carried all of his own gear on this trek, and carried lots and lots of gear on his bicycles. Here is a picture of the book cover, and a link to a website about him.
https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/meta/html...elcome&Welcome
So, if you ride enough to be able to enjoy a nicer bike, and decent riding gear, but are still slow, and have lots of things on your body and bike that have nothing to do with going faster (bigger bags, reflective clothing, extra head/tail lights, lots of repair gear, etc.), you are a Fred.
There are various derivations here on BF, and people disagree about what a real Fred is too.
Most people think that the term "Fred" came from a real-life guy from the US state of Georgia named Fred Birchmore, that cycled around the world and wrote a book about it. He carried all of his own gear on this trek, and carried lots and lots of gear on his bicycles. Here is a picture of the book cover, and a link to a website about him.
https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/meta/html...elcome&Welcome
Last edited by Pinyon; 10-09-08 at 02:09 PM.
10-09-08 | 01:52 PM
#12
Infamous Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 24,360
Likes: 6
From: Ohio
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
Well due to buget constraints I ride entry level bikes, and although I wear a cycle jersey and shorts (with no cushy stuff in the crotch) and proper length socks, I forakse mountain or road shoes for my trusty Vans. Most importanly I NEVER ride on any roads and instead stick to paved paths. Oh and I wear a Bell Citi helmet only because it doesn't look like what everyone else is wearing (those space ship helmets with the duck tail in back).
I suspect this either makes me a closet fred or possibly a garden variety dork :-)
I suspect this either makes me a closet fred or possibly a garden variety dork :-)
__________________
"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
10-09-08 | 02:07 PM
#13
I'm a Fred and couldn't be prouder!
If you can't hear me, I'll yell a little louder!
I've got and extra tube, a good set of tools, blinking lights, headlights, fenders, platform pedals on my commuter and ride in to work in my regular clothes.
Freds make Posers feel uncomfortable because they are a repudiation of the herd mentality of those who cannot enjoy the cycling experience without trying to look like they belong in the Tour.
If you can't hear me, I'll yell a little louder!
I've got and extra tube, a good set of tools, blinking lights, headlights, fenders, platform pedals on my commuter and ride in to work in my regular clothes.
Freds make Posers feel uncomfortable because they are a repudiation of the herd mentality of those who cannot enjoy the cycling experience without trying to look like they belong in the Tour.
10-09-08 | 02:48 PM
#14
Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Silly Clone Valley CA
Bikes: 08 Cannondale Six-13-5
Am I a Fred?
Lets see:
I have a nice road bike(that is well cleaned and looks so new it borders on making me look like a poser)
Since I've only been seriously riding for about 2 months I have a gut
Since I fear for my life and ride a lot at night my bike is lit up like a christmas tree. Headlight, taillight, bar end lights, and those funny valve cap lights.
My bike backpack =
1 Bandaid brand travel first aid kit (already used once)
1 cheap Bell portable pump
1 cheap Bell patch kit
1 extra tube
1 bike lock
1 blinking red LED light
1 Small bike multi-tool
Lets see:
I have a nice road bike(that is well cleaned and looks so new it borders on making me look like a poser)
Since I've only been seriously riding for about 2 months I have a gut
Since I fear for my life and ride a lot at night my bike is lit up like a christmas tree. Headlight, taillight, bar end lights, and those funny valve cap lights.
My bike backpack =
1 Bandaid brand travel first aid kit (already used once)
1 cheap Bell portable pump
1 cheap Bell patch kit
1 extra tube
1 bike lock
1 blinking red LED light
1 Small bike multi-tool
10-09-08 | 02:56 PM
#15
Infamous Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 24,360
Likes: 6
From: Ohio
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
Am I a Fred?
Lets see:
I have a nice road bike(that is well cleaned and looks so new it borders on making me look like a poser)
Since I've only been seriously riding for about 2 months I have a gut
Since I fear for my life and ride a lot at night my bike is lit up like a christmas tree. Headlight, taillight, bar end lights, and those funny valve cap lights.
My bike backpack =
1 Bandaid brand travel first aid kit (already used once)
1 cheap Bell portable pump
1 cheap Bell patch kit
1 extra tube
1 bike lock
1 blinking red LED light
1 Small bike multi-tool
Lets see:
I have a nice road bike(that is well cleaned and looks so new it borders on making me look like a poser)
Since I've only been seriously riding for about 2 months I have a gut
Since I fear for my life and ride a lot at night my bike is lit up like a christmas tree. Headlight, taillight, bar end lights, and those funny valve cap lights.
My bike backpack =
1 Bandaid brand travel first aid kit (already used once)
1 cheap Bell portable pump
1 cheap Bell patch kit
1 extra tube
1 bike lock
1 blinking red LED light
1 Small bike multi-tool
__________________
"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
10-09-08 | 02:57 PM
#16
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 15,094
Likes: 4,720
From: Beaverton, OR
Bikes: Yes
10-09-08 | 02:57 PM
#17
Infamous Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 24,360
Likes: 6
From: Ohio
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
https://www.bikeforums.net/foo/468720-photo-contest-prizes-how-fred-can-ya-get.html
https://www.bikeforums.net/announcement.php?f=199
https://www.bikeforums.net/announcement.php?f=199
__________________
"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
10-09-08 | 03:28 PM
#19
10-09-08 | 03:32 PM
#20
Crushing souls
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,591
Likes: 1
From: Sagamore Hills, Ohio.
Bikes: Trek 1500
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.
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.
Your first def was that of an OCP.
10-09-08 | 03:40 PM
#22
10-09-08 | 03:42 PM
#23
Thread Starter
insert witty comment here
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 846
Likes: 0
From: Dallas Texas
Bikes: 2016 Specialized AWOL, 2011 Electra Bike Ticino, '09 Trek 7.2 FX, Peugeot UE 18
10-09-08 | 05:36 PM
#25
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,819
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From: Ohio
I copied and pasted it from a slang dictionary, so I can't claim credit. I've heard the term "Fred" used in both contexts so many times I think they are, rightly or wrongly, part of the vocabulary now. Which is confusing, because the definitions are direct opposites of each other. But how to get some definition discipline going? Will David change the title to "The OCPcast" or "The Barneycast"?