As others have said, I'm pretty sure this was tounge-in-cheek but I have to say the following. The "sub-Fred" could very well be the guy that could beat you all down on a bike. There are a LOT of guys down here that ride around on wal-mart special all day long becuase that's their only transportation, I'm guessing with just a tiny bit of focused training these guys could kick some serious butt. I definetly not an elitest and I don't think of myself as a fred (although I'm sure most of you would).

I remember reading an editorial a few years back in "Bicycling" that was called "Mr. Black Socks". It was basically about the preceptions of "Freds" and how that old guy on the steel bike wearing mid-calf black socks was kicking along at a good clip while the author was trying to run him down with his latest carbon technology and lycra/aero whatever....the author never did catch Fred and found a new respect for Mr. Black Socks.

Now, don't we all feel a little more warm and fuzzier?

Chris
"The names's Fred, Fred Black Socks..."

I believe someone needs to define "tongue in cheek" and self-depricating for Campag. He doesn't seem to be in on the joke. On the other hand, I am currently working on a great streak of self-loathing.

Guess again. There are a few. And out of one million sub-Freds, there's one F. Landis in there somewhere.

Fortunately for us Road Nazis he's probably cycling due to multiple DWI arrests, so he's not real focused on the Power Meter Friel Training regimen. He's just trying to get from his factory job to the bar so he can get loaded every night. He focuses his energy on crushing empty beer cans, not racer weenie souls.

I like to buy guys like that pitchers of beer. In sheer self-defense.

As someone looking to START cycling for the first time ever, you all sure are scary. Between this and the other thread, I've laughed a lot but really...

Is there anything wrong with a "Fred" that is just out there minding his own business? Just because everyone isn't out there to be cut throat doesn't mean they shouldn't be there, even on a nice bike or a silly shirt, right?

I think Ghandi said it best when he said 'Weight-Weenies, Wussies, Freds, Wilmas, Elitists, Noobies, Retro-Grinches. Has-beens, Wanna-bes, Never-will-bes, Luddites, Gear-heads and Road-Nazis all ride so all rock"

He would know, he had the build of a serious climber.

Do you have plants out back that you cannot share the pics of in the internet?

Don't be afraid of anybody on this forum and welcome. There's a few guys who talk tough but if you ask a question they will be the first guys to help you out.

could be...and good plan!

Of course not my son... those days are long past.

You'll be just fine.

Believe it or not, this board can be quite helpful.

Requesting clarification: I am back in the saddle since October and still riding my RB-1 (and last week, entered my first race since, uh, a long time ago -- finished, but, could not stay with pack...yet)...no potbelly, but not lean and mean either...I see that a company that sponsors some of my research is also sponsoring a Pro-Am cycling team...I'm thinking about getting the uniform because I like the sponsor, some of the team folk live near where I grew up and because their price for Capo clothing is great (and the uniform looks awesome -- understated but cool, which is what I like)...would wearing such clothing make me part of the Fred family tree? In addition, would caring what you think impact my status?

what's your malfunction? medicare won't cover your viagra prescription?

Hi there little bittie.

Is the same "joke" about OCP a while back.

I'm trying to defredify but I will never be an elitist.. just too casual.

Maybe some day...

You shouldn't care what anybody thinks, particularly me. Cheer up. The Red Sox already won a regular season game, it's not even April 1, and they're not even on this continent yet.

Pcad says: shut the F up and ride your bike. We're here with useful advice whenever you need it. But you will have to put up with the Road Nazi vs. Fred sniping. That never ends. Not on my watch.

Everybody is a Fred at something...even Floyd and most of all you Grandpa.

I thought I was a Fred. Now I find out I am only a sub-Fred.

On the other hand, I guess I can now aspire to achieving full Fred-hood some day.

You will all be Freds someday, if you survive...

hi there biker7's sockpuppet. "lol"

I thought I was Blue Jay's sockpuppet little bittie.
Maybe you should start a club.

why should i start a club when i've got a stalker like you, ready to do it for me?

Love it - I'm going to shamelessly steal this one

Stalker? It is you who stalk me. The only guy that has been more toxic then you on this forum over the years is Euro. You are likely his sock puppet.

Your repeated bannings are proof positive. How many has it been?...haha. I've never been banned. I frankly don't mind that you are around little bittie. Little guys are kinda cute but keep an eye out for Oafie...he gots eyes for ya.

the editor of "bicycling" IS a fred.......hmm funny i didnt think freds cared about chasing people down?