AlmostTrick

Maybe you think a Fredly bike is a good thing, maybe not. Either way, it doesn't really matter.

The rules are simple. You post a pic of your commuter bike along with a brief description of it's features, and everyone gets to rate it with a score between 0 and 100 depending on how "Fredly" they feel it is. 0 being not Fredly in the least, and 100 being the most Fredly beast in the east. (or west, or north or south)

If multiple posters rate a particular bike, the score for that bike is the average between them all.

Ok, let the Fred (and non-Fred) bikes roll!

CB HI

There will be no contest if ILTB post a pic. Anyone that uses foam pipe insulation from the hardware store for grips, is extreme Fred.

frpax

"Fred-ness" is very subjective. It means different things to different people.

I think there needs to be specific catagories with definitions, so that accurate judgements can be made.

On top of that, there needs to be a panel of impartial judges who are not allowed to enter their own bikes.

AlmostTrick

True, but much less so in the commuter forum. Most here understand a "Fred" as one who places function and frugality at the top of the list when choosing and setting up a bike, with fashion and speed being lower or non-considerations.

Honestly, I didn't envision anything that elaborate, just a fun way to see where forum members would place certain bikes and equipment on the "Fred" scale. A higher score doesn't necessarily "win". All bikes are an extension of their owners needs and desires... as they should be!

Don't forget the homemade blinky tower out back. Definitely in the upper 90's!

IndianaShawn

I win........

ottawa_adam

OP, where's the pic of your bike?

Andy_K 

I'd really need to see a picture of the whole bike. That's a pretty fredly dashboard, but the bar tape makes me suspect a nice Brooks saddle.

Andy_K 

2008 Kona Jake with Civia Bryant fork for front disc brake
DiNotte/PBSF lights
PB Cascadia fenders
bar end mirror (obscured in picture)

IndianaShawn

Yes, I have the Brooks Narrow B17 Imperial in Antique Brown. The handlebar tape is actually Velo Orange. I thought the color matched the seat even better than Brooks own brown color.

frpax

I was more kidding around than anything....

I think the guy with the water bottle fender is in the running.

Andy_K 

Now that's what I'm talkin' 'bout!

The extra long steerer with the riser stem combined with the small wheels give it a fredilness you just can't fake. The reflective tape is a nice detail, but the actual reflectors in the spokes seal the deal.

I give it a 95.

bluegoatwoods

Here's my bike.

It's actually a bit different today, but I'll go with this photo as I don't have any current pics that are this clear.

Rear "panniers" are a couple of plastic lunch boxes from a big box store bolted onto my $25 Avenir rack. Front cargo platform is a cheap front basket with the front and sides cut off. The "light bar" is a set of straight handlebars U-bolted to the front with two big round mirrors mounted on the end.

The bike itself is a $50 Roadmaster I bought from the Beast of Bentonville.

cyclocommuter

80/100 Fredliness!

cyclocommuter

Fredliness: 95/100

cyclocommuter

90/100

AlmostTrick

+ Fred points: fenders, rack, disc brake, riser stem, mirror.

- Fred points: fancy brifters, clipless pedals.

I give it an 80.

AlmostTrick

Agreed, with all your comments on IndianaShawns bike. But since it's still early, I'm going to give it a 90.

recumbenttoad

Sounds like the government is getting involved.

AlmostTrick

Wow bluegoat! A $50 Roadmaster with 20 pounds of customized makeshift add on's? Lot's of extra Fred points for your bike. I'd give it a 95 at least!

I'd love to see a close up of that extra handle bar / dual mirror set up!

azesty

14,000 km, Brooks B17 with 10,000 km. Alivio components. Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres, have also added front fender.

The only original components from when it was bought in June 2009 are the frame, kickstand, headstem and handlebars.

z

a1penguin

Oh come on. This will be the most entertaining thread in Commuting! Like the Hot or Not thread on the 41! The trash talk is almost better than the pics of candidate bikes.

BRING OUT YOUR FRED!

a1penguin

That's definitely Fredly, especially with the glowing spokes in daylight. But it's still pretty professional looking. 85/100.

a1penguin

93/100. The extra wide on the handlebar/mirror set up would be dangerous on the narrow part of an underpass on a MUP. The tie downs are total Fred and an bonus for no cycling clothing on the rider. Is that rear right side strap dangling waiting to get caught in the spokes or attached? Personally, I'd be careful about riding with straps that could come loose.

Andy_K 

To me it looks more MacGyver than Fred. Still, props are due for the mirrors, fenders and panniers. I give it an 80.

Andy_K 

The absurdly long seatpost (made to look even longer by the U-lock) is very fredly. The kickstand is good. You also have a nice tall spacer stack. But I don't know if I can give credit for the unpictured front fender, and that fork is way too flashy. I thought it was carbon for minute there.

I'd give it an 83. You could squeeze out some more points with more electronics and maybe a trekking bar or something.