Add one more: uses non-cycling bottles. I use Brita (the bottles that have a filter - allows me to fill up anywhere with reasonable peace of mind

how about bike shoes on platform pedals? I figure I have to get some good Fred points for that.

my porn name is Fred

My father, and his father were both named Fred. I was doomed before I was even born.

I believe I meet all of the qualifications...but I have a few questions

What are the definitions of a cheap bike, and that of an expensive bike?
What about riding a couple of moderately-priced bikes?
What is the definition of "riding slowly"?
Is a 15mph average 'slow' for a 265lb clyde?
Do Freds need to know then answers to these, and similar questions? Or does that make them unFredly?

I Fred, therefore I am.
- Fred René Descartes

Especially if they were KISS Destroyer Gene Simmons Platform cleats! :thumb:

ahaha

Holy crap I am Fred :thumb:

I think eyeglass mirrors trump handlebar mirrors in Fredliness, but it's a close call...

According to this definition I'm a "FRED" because I refused to dress up in a costume to take my bycycle for a ride. What's the term for the guy who thinks he is racing in the Tour De France. Most of the guys I see in there bicycle costumes look like there doing an imitation of 10LBs of bolonga in a 5LB bag. I've never called anyone a name because of the way they were dresses and I've never been called a name for what I was wearing. I did not know I was a "Fred". I just want to get out of the house, and exercise.

Just call me Fredicus Magnus.

As for where the term came from, there are two schools of thought.

There's a guy who's a legend among bicyclists. (I don't even know if he really existed or not, to tell the truth) In the early 1900s he went on a cross country bicycle trip and had all sorts of adventures. I'll bet he was one tough cookie. I've heard that his first name was Fred and that 'utility' type bicyclists are referred to as such out of a sort of deference to this guy.

But, really, I don't believe this.

I think that the term probably came from the roadies and it was meant as an insult. They're accusing us of being a sort-of "Ward Cleaver" clueless dork who doesnt' have any idea what he's doing.

We, knowing a lot more about what really counts than they think, have appropriated the name as a badge of honor.

I actually met "Fredicus Maximus" several years ago, although he wasn't wearing a breastplate or leather skirt and his name wasn't really Fred.
He was in Arizona heading toward the bay area to finish his coast to coast trip.
Old department store bike / Brown polyester long pants / street shoes (the kind of half-boot that zipped up the side) / button down dress shirt.
He looked like he couldn't make it 10 miles in one day. In reality, he could ride me into the dirt. I admire him.
So yes, there are multiple definitions of "fred." Some with admiration, and some not so nice. I think it originated from riders who have great skills and knowledge but don't LOOK like thay have a clue. Apparently, that pisses some people off.

The Term for which you are searching is "Poser."

Bike Snob NYC subscribes to the opposing definition; that of the "spend way too much money chasing the latest technology" variety of Fred.

http://bikesnobnyc.blogspot.com/2012/03/sacrifice-high-cost-of-fred-dom.html

FREDS OF THE WORLD, UNITE!!
:commute::recum::hug:

To beat the Fred, we must understand the Fred

Take it easy there, killer. In my experience it's very rarely used in a truly derogatory way. Most people either like the name or use it in good fun.

MNBikeguy,

"great skills and knowledge, but don't LOOK like they've got a clue" is actually a pretty good definition of a fred.

Well said.

I think I, and other freds probably, fit that description. And that's pretty satisfying.

Better Fred than dead. (dons crapton of safety gear)

If you go by the definition of "outrageous amount of safety gear" I was a Fred even as wee tot. I should check to see if we have any photos of me on my first bicycle. My dad said he'd paint it any color I wanted. I chose hi viz green and put reflective yellow star stickers all over it.

We are all Freds to somebody. Everyone is a Fred to me. We are all proud of our Fred heritage.

You can believe it. Fred passed away this spring at the age of 100 but many new Fred’s live on. He was quite an interesting guy to read about. I attached a few links to get you started. Attached is a picture to give you a feel for the original Fred look.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_(bicycling)

http://onlineathens.com/local-news/2...hmore-dies-100

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/histor...the-World.html

http://inlinethumb57.webshots.com/50...600x600Q85.jpg

.

My spandex is off brand, and I commute on an inexpensive road bike wearing a full backpack, so I guess that make me a little Fred. Nothing to be ashamed of. Those that use it in derision are usually over arrogant posers.

Here we have the problem of multiple Freds. As others have pointed out, historically the term "Fred" referred to a commuter or tourer or utility rider, who might be underestimated or mocked by roadies when in fact he is as fit and skilled and knowledgeable as many roadies, or even more so. However the term has been corrupted to also refer to newbie, wannabe roadies who have naïvely overbought expensive equipment, but lack the skills or knowledge or fitness to match.

It's interesting.

Both my clothing and equipment sort of look like that. Though updated, of course.

It doesn't surprise me and I'll bet you other freds look similar.

There's just no way around it; we are the coolest bicyclists.

Also, I didn't really doubt Fred's existence so much as I doubted that the posers called us fred out of admiration for him and for us. That seems very dubious.

i have lights,fenders,a rack,a computer a pump and a couple water bottles on my bike. i love my bike and i love riding it.....so yes i am a fred and i am proud

I have never been called Fred directly but have often referred to my own riding style as Fred.

To me I do and ride however it feels right to me and don’t really care what others view it as. I tend to admire a guy like Fred Birchmore. Can you imagine taking off on your bike in 1935 and riding 25000 for something to do exciting for a couple years. I try and keep that image of “Fred” in the back of my mind and in that context being Fred does make you the coolest of bicyclists.

One great thing about us "Fred's" I'll have to say is at least we don't need a road support crew following us around if we get a flat. We just fix it. They need a tech crew, and someone to give 'em a drink of water (they don't need the extra weight to low down their roll).

And "YES!!!", Fred's of the world need to unite!!!

I immediately got up out of my chair and ran to the garage yelling "Some son-of-a-Skunk has stolen my bike!!" But it was still there . . . How can my bike be both in my garage and in this picture at the same time?

I'm a Φρεντ too! (local spelling in Greek, lol!)