Originally Posted by BillyD (Post 11192394)

Just what we need, more freds. Welcome!

Originally Posted by umd (Post 11191920)

sure...



In the labeling heirarchy, that usually lands one as a poseur, not a fred.

Originally Posted by Homebrew01 (Post 11192418)

You're conflicted
Fred: mirror, lock, seat pack if it's bigger than 2 tubes & levers

Poseur: team kit, new helmet

Neutral: blinkie (but fred if it's on during the day), computer, pump

Originally Posted by chipcom (Post 11192517)

Ditch the computer, ditch the spandex unless you can provide graphical proof that you look like crap in it, put the Transfer back on and give the Atmos to a deserving junior racer (for real or only in his mind), ditch the team kit, and don't look down your nose at anyone, let alone another cyclist (unless your mirror is positioned pretty weird). When you have these things addressed, come back....and bring a dead chicken and a paper bag with you.

Originally Posted by MegaTom (Post 11191956)

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

Originally Posted by Homebrew01 (Post 11192625)

Just goes to show you can't trust Wikipedia ... they're a bunch of Gomers.

Originally Posted by BillyD (Post 11192540)

Whoa, Chip has resurfaced . . . let's strike up the band.

I like that image, I think I'll steal it.

Originally Posted by Homebrew01 (Post 11192625)

Just goes to show you can't trust Wikipedia ... they're a bunch of Gomers.

Originally Posted by JohnnyCyclist (Post 11191815)

I figure this is the PERFECT group to ask :lol:

- My bike is a Motobecane Fantom CX cyclocross (from BD, price: $570). My only upgrades have been the saddle and some KoolStop brake pads. I don't expect to upgrade anything else unless it breaks.
- To the frame, I've attached a pump and water bottle cage.
- To the seatpost, I've attached a pack and lock
- To the frame, I've also attached a blinky light. Unless I'm riding where it will be 100% (or almost) bright and sunny, the blinky light will be on. I'd rather you think me a Fred than get run over in a shady section of road.
- To the handlebars, I've attached a MirrCycle STI mirror. It's not pretty, but I like to know when a big ass Hummer is coming up behind me.
- To the handlebars, I've also attached a computer (and accordingly, the speed sensor to the fork and magnet to a spoke)
- I wear spandex, mostly pro team stuff (not the real stuff, but Chinese sweatshop knock-offs).
- My helmet is an Atmos. It was a Giro Transfer until recently; I found a brand-new Atmos on craigslist for $50.
- My sustainable flat speed is 18.3 mph (based on 27 minutes for an 8.25 mile loop I do laps on - check my math, please).
- I spin up hills at 6-9 mph
- Regarding my speeds, note that I'm 45 years old and am not trying to prove anything to anyone. I passed someone on the flat last night on the way to a couple of fairly steep hills. We talked for a few seconds. He was obviously younger than me. When we hit the hills, I could see him catching up to me via my mirror; it didn't bother me at all.
- I acknowledge most other cyclists. I ignore those riding in jeans, without helmets, etc., unless I'm forced to say something (in which case I do it politely): "you're riding on the wrong side of the road, my friend" came up just last night.
- I ride in a rural area, so I sometimes blow through stop signs (if no vehicles are around, it's obvious, so I don't stop). Otherwise, I obey the rules of the road. I stop, signal my intentions, give vehicles room when it's safe for me, take the lane when it's safe for me, etc.

So, I figure my doo-dads and pro cycling outfits are more likely to brand me as a Fred then my cycling behavior. Your opinion? FRED or NO FRED? Kind of like "am i hot or not", I guess :p

Originally Posted by chipcom (Post 11192517)

Ditch the computer, ditch the spandex unless you can provide graphical proof that you look like crap in it, put the Transfer back on and give the Atmos to a deserving junior racer (for real or only in his mind), ditch the team kit, and don't look down your nose at anyone, let alone another cyclist (unless your mirror is positioned pretty weird). When you have these things addressed, come back....and bring a dead chicken and a paper bag with you.

Originally Posted by redneckwes (Post 11192843)

Me, I look the part, but I'm not good enough to be Fred.

Originally Posted by redneckwes (Post 11192843)

Team kits....not fred.

Is a BD Motobecane Fred? An old high ten Moto Nomad would be.


Me, I look the part, but I'm not good enough to be Fred.

Originally Posted by KiddSisko (Post 11193416)

Everything in the above makes perfect sense, but why the paper bag?

Originally Posted by Quel (Post 11192454)

Listen. Outside of the few hundred riders that actually make a half decent living riding their bike, we're all freds to someone.

Originally Posted by chipcom (Post 11194168)

I bestowed Fred status on you years ago, Wes, as we were riding through Findlay in the rain. ;)

Originally Posted by redneckwes (Post 11194526)

Thank you, oh all mighty legend of Fredness. :D:D

Are you planning to ride the Horizontal hundred this year?

Originally Posted by chipcom (Post 11194174)

Good point...he should bring 2 paper bags. What if one fell off? :twitchy:

Originally Posted by chipcom (Post 11194641)

I always plan on it...it's my birthday ride. ;)