Yes, IMO. - If he or anyone else posted on the Internet about having such an immature obsession.

BTW, where do I find the official definitions and/or approved terms for use by Serious Cyclists™ who post of such matters on BF?

Did I ever show you a picture of my pet cat?

When I decided to take this cycling stuff "seriously", I put forth a major effort to NOT be a Fred. I went ahead and purchased the cycling shorts, the shoes, then some nice-looking decent jerseys...helmets, sunglasses, gloves, all the while conscious of my color coordination. I bought a couple of bikes because, well...two is better than one (not crazy expensive ones, but still).

So I'm thinking that all my efforts to avoid Frediness has put me on the road to Poseurville.

I don't care. I'm enjoying myself.

You can be an undercover Fred.

I have ridden with this particular fella for about 6 years both mountain and paved path. I continued to ride in non cycling type clothing and stayed with my flat bar road bike that had gotten me through two centuries, even without traditional cycling wear.
My buddy though over time slowly began changing his attire until one day he appeared in a red and white jersey, lycra shorts and fancy shimano shoes. At the time I could not find the words to express my reaction to his attire but having read what a Fred is I now know I witnessed his complete transition from Fred to UnFred. I still don't trust him, lol

Correction: NüFred

Is this really a valid discussion? Who actually uses derogatory names to call cyclists who approach cycling in a casual manner? I think that most of us, here, are above that, or should be, anyway. Although it is probably best to take this subject with a sense of humor, I don't think un-flattering names are at all helpful.

measuring anybody's seriousness at anything by sizing up their appearance is probably going to be incorrect

Could have stopped there

So when I ride my old town bike down to the Farmer's Mkt wearing whatever I had on at home I'm a "Fred"?
When I air up the tires on the C&V Vitus that I used to race and head out into the hills wearing faded team kit I'm a different flavor of bike rider?

Using a properly configured machine for different cycling purposes in comfortable clothing appropriate to that purpose seems like common sense to me, not a reason to get all Style Police Correct about what anyone else is up to on their bike or costume.

-Bandera

I'm sticking up for the people being called names and you felt it necessary to oppose that?
Personally, I don't appreciate your brand-of-humor.
Fred, huh? That gives me a glimpse into the minds of pseudo-elitists.

I doubt those who are labeled Fred, labeled themselves a Fred, just sayin

If anything, bul, I think that we, individually and as a people, probably need to become "less-serious" in some important ways.

we can have serious fun, too

I think I'm a Fred. I ride in work boots regularly, even on the Merckx

Oh dear; never let it be said that either light-heartedness or irony will pollute Bike Forums.
Cheers!

If you ever put a 3' pool noodle with a flag on the side your bike to ensure drivers obey the 3' law, you might be a Fred.
If you have more than a bike computer and headlight clamped to your handlebars, you might be a Fred.
If you gopro the full 30 minute commute to work every day and post each one to youtube, you might be a Fred.
If you wear an orange safety vest any time riding a bike, you might be a Fred.
If you complain about presta velve stems, you might be a Fred.

Not that any of these are bad, or wrong...just saying they're a bit on the Fredly side.

So being a "Fred" and having a birth name of Fred is that kinda like dividing by zero?

I think everyone's problem (or not) with Fred is their own mental connotation of Fred.

on iBoB google groups, Fred=BoB, and they wear it like a badge of honor.

Really guys, sticks and stones.

There are a couple of young guys I ride with who like to compliment me by telling me I'm riding a great Cruiser (if they happen to catch me).
Thank you (not what I would call it) - but it is Fred or BoB, or something like that.

To me, Fred means self-supported no matter what happens on the ride.

Someone on these forums will take that as a challenge, probably by arguing with everyone and stirring the pot.

I went mtb riding with a good group of guys that I ride with often yesterday. It was a brisk 18 degrees F out, but no wind.
I wore my hiking boots with 2 socks and was the grunt of everyone's jokes, as they sported their high dollar "winter" cycling shoes.
Within a half hour into our ride, I was the only one not complaining about cold feet. I guess the laugh was on the other guys.
Function over style any day!

I'm a Fred that likes to by the 'real cyclists' and watch them disappear in my pathetic Fred-like mirror

Nope ... you are an undercover poseur. Real Freds dont care if they pass anyone, any more than they care if they get passed. Speaking as the world's greatest ultra-Fred and the most widely respected authority on the subject, I can assure that that every word I say is true.

Freddy-Bob Bulldog can back me up on that.

+1.

Irony much?