What is "Freddy" with regards to Bikes?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 485
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
What is "Freddy" with regards to Bikes?
I see comments about "Fred" and "Freddy" but not sure what that means. Just curious. Thanks.
#2
Senior Member
I am not entirely sure either, but from what I gather it's anything that makes the bike uncool or practical and arguably safer. Things like fenders, racks and panniers, reflective gear, lights, bells are all considered to be Fred. From what I can gather it's anything that doesn't align with the current fixed gear trend or possibly road cycling as a sport.
#3
nashcommguy
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: nashville, tn
Posts: 2,499
Bikes: Commuters: Fuji Delray road, Fuji Discovery mtb...Touring: Softride Traveler...Road: C-dale SR300
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Try using your site search function. That's not meant in a snarky way it's just that being a Fred is difficult to explain. To some cyclists a Fred is anyone who doesn't ride a 4,000.00 titanium 14.3 oz road bike. Then there's the Fred who does ride the 4,000.00 titanium 14.3 oz road bike, but shouldn't be wearing lycra/spandex...it's not a pleasant image for children and self-aware adults.
There are some really funny past threads on 'Fredliness' that one who's more tech savvy than me will undoubtedly post. Lookin' forward to it.
There are some really funny past threads on 'Fredliness' that one who's more tech savvy than me will undoubtedly post. Lookin' forward to it.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Posts: 386
Bikes: Trek 3900, Trek 2.3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Two views:
The completely non-caring cyclists who rides with a cushy seat, fenders, and has those old fashion streamers.
The weekend rider who spends $5,000 buying a super-light bike and the most expensive bike to look "like a pro," but has to push the bike up a small hills.
The completely non-caring cyclists who rides with a cushy seat, fenders, and has those old fashion streamers.
The weekend rider who spends $5,000 buying a super-light bike and the most expensive bike to look "like a pro," but has to push the bike up a small hills.
#5
12mph+ commuter
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Oak Park, IL
Posts: 863
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
90s mountain bike with clip-on aero bars
Pick any three: multiple front/rear lights, conspicuosy tape, ANSI vest, multiple mirrors, AIRZOUND
Road bike with bars at least 3 inches above saddle
Anyone riding a 'bent
Moustache
Pick any three: multiple front/rear lights, conspicuosy tape, ANSI vest, multiple mirrors, AIRZOUND
Road bike with bars at least 3 inches above saddle
Anyone riding a 'bent
Moustache
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Binghamtony,NY
Posts: 171
Bikes: 2011 Trek 7.3 FX
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#7
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 485
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I am not entirely sure either, but from what I gather it's anything that makes the bike uncool or practical and arguably safer. Things like fenders, racks and panniers, reflective gear, lights, bells are all considered to be Fred. From what I can gather it's anything that doesn't align with the current fixed gear trend or possibly road cycling as a sport.
#8
xtrajack
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Maine
Posts: 2,058
Bikes: Kona fire mountain/xtracycle,Univega landrover fs,Nishiki custom sport Ross professional super gran tour Schwinn Mesa (future Xtracycle donor bike)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I am a Fred.
#9
Mirror slap survivor
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Sunny Florida
Posts: 1,297
Bikes: Gunnar Sport, Surly Pacer, Access MTB, Ibex Corrida, one day a Simple City
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I think there's a fine line between Fred and retrogrouch.
#10
Randomhead
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Happy Valley, Pennsylvania
Posts: 24,399
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Liked 3,699 Times
in
2,519 Posts
I would say that's more of a poseur. There is some overlap with the terms "Fred" and "poseur." I think a Fred will generally kick the ass of a poseur, even though there is approximately $4700 less invested in the Fred's bike.
#11
nashcommguy
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: nashville, tn
Posts: 2,499
Bikes: Commuters: Fuji Delray road, Fuji Discovery mtb...Touring: Softride Traveler...Road: C-dale SR300
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Oh yeah. One can be both, easily. For me the height of 'retro-grouchiness' are guys that look slightly pissed while riding a 2000.00 Waterford. In a few years they'll be on 'bents.
But, yes take being called a Fred as a compliment by all means. Because, as we all know 'Fredliness is next to Godliness'.
But, yes take being called a Fred as a compliment by all means. Because, as we all know 'Fredliness is next to Godliness'.
Last edited by nashcommguy; 10-09-11 at 10:13 AM.
#12
Banned
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Northern California
Posts: 5,804
Bikes: Raleigh Grand Prix, Giant Innova, Nishiki Sebring, Trek 7.5FX
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I used to be a bonafide, genuine, lycra, jersey-wearing, roadie!
However, for some reason, I'm gettin' pissed by all of the Fredliness talk!
Leave the Freds alone!!!
- Slim ...aka Fred
However, for some reason, I'm gettin' pissed by all of the Fredliness talk!
Leave the Freds alone!!!
- Slim ...aka Fred
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times
in
1,417 Posts
I have also noticed that the hardcore racers have a bit of Fred in them too. Training bikes are usually fitted with 32 spoke wheels, frame pumps, saddle bags. Plus blinkies, lights and fenders for the winter. To put in the miles to be competitive, you have to be ready for anything.
#14
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
From Wiki...
" In 1934-35, Birchmore rode around the world on a bicycle he named Bucephalus. Birchmore and Bucephalus traveled approximately 25,000 miles. Bucephalus is now on display at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.[3][4][5][6] In one famous incident while touring in Italy, Birchmore passed a bunch of racers during a race he had crossed paths with by chance. And despite going up hill on his loaded 50 pound non-racing bike, he passed the finish line well ahead of the racers."
Birchmore was one of the greatest athletes of the 20th century... had he so desired he could have dominated many sports including competitive cycling.
And he named his bike...
" In 1934-35, Birchmore rode around the world on a bicycle he named Bucephalus. Birchmore and Bucephalus traveled approximately 25,000 miles. Bucephalus is now on display at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.[3][4][5][6] In one famous incident while touring in Italy, Birchmore passed a bunch of racers during a race he had crossed paths with by chance. And despite going up hill on his loaded 50 pound non-racing bike, he passed the finish line well ahead of the racers."
Birchmore was one of the greatest athletes of the 20th century... had he so desired he could have dominated many sports including competitive cycling.
And he named his bike...
#15
cowboy, steel horse, etc
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: The hot spot.
Posts: 44,856
Bikes: everywhere
Mentioned: 72 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12781 Post(s)
Liked 7,695 Times
in
4,084 Posts
#16
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
A poser is the person who drops a fortune on their kit who pays just as much attention to looking the part but is more show than go.
The derisive use of "fred" surely stems, in part, from posers who have had their ass handed to them by some average guy on a bicycle that does not meet their ideal of what is right.
Road nazis put their little ones to bed at night and tell them stories of Freds to frighten them and inspire them to never become posers.
The derisive use of "fred" surely stems, in part, from posers who have had their ass handed to them by some average guy on a bicycle that does not meet their ideal of what is right.
Road nazis put their little ones to bed at night and tell them stories of Freds to frighten them and inspire them to never become posers.
#17
Been Around Awhile
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Burlington Iowa
Posts: 29,978
Bikes: Vaterland and Ragazzi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Liked 1,538 Times
in
1,047 Posts
A poser is the person who drops a fortune on their kit who pays just as much attention to looking the part but is more show than go.
The derisive use of "fred" surely stems, in part, from posers who have had their ass handed to them by some average guy on a bicycle that does not meet their ideal of what is right.
Road nazis put their little ones to bed at night and tell them stories of Freds to frighten them and inspire them to never become posers.
The derisive use of "fred" surely stems, in part, from posers who have had their ass handed to them by some average guy on a bicycle that does not meet their ideal of what is right.
Road nazis put their little ones to bed at night and tell them stories of Freds to frighten them and inspire them to never become posers.
Who but a dumbbell gives a rat's behind if he get his/her "ass handed to them" by somebody who dreams everybody is in some sort of race?
#18
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
What do you call bicyclists who are all wrapped up in how competitive other cyclists are, even when the other cyclists didn't know they were in a race?
Who but a dumbbell gives a rat's behind if he get his/her "ass handed to them" by somebody who dreams everybody is in some sort of race?
Who but a dumbbell gives a rat's behind if he get his/her "ass handed to them" by somebody who dreams everybody is in some sort of race?
#19
Been Around Awhile
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Burlington Iowa
Posts: 29,978
Bikes: Vaterland and Ragazzi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Liked 1,538 Times
in
1,047 Posts
#20
Thunder Whisperer
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: NE OK
Posts: 8,843
Bikes: '06 Kona Smoke
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 275 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
2 Posts
__________________
Community guidelines
Community guidelines
#21
Been Around Awhile
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Burlington Iowa
Posts: 29,978
Bikes: Vaterland and Ragazzi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Liked 1,538 Times
in
1,047 Posts
#22
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
Cat 6 racing is where it is at... there is a little old lady in a hopped up walker that is going to get hers the next time we meet.