Fred?

[silver]

So soon in my venture into road cycling, I learned that "roadies" refer to things that are "roadie faux paux" as "Fred." I subsequently learned what "roadies" regard as "fred."

However, my personal feeling is that function trumps style. In other words, even if something is considered "fred" I'm not going to adhere to that if it's something that helps me. (i.e. I'm not a snob)

For instance, I was told that for a roadie to wear a visor on their helmet was fred, but I felt that the visor helped shield my sensitive eyes from the sun. So I wore my visor anyway. However, as time went on, I found that the visor really did restrict my vision, so I eventually did away with it and prefer not having it now.

In any event, apparantly, I refered to using a mirror as being "fred" and Mr. thinks I told him couldn't use one because of that. My perspective was that roadies consider it to be "fred, " but that doesn't mean that he shouldn't use one if he wants one.

Oh, and another thing, I considered turning up your shorts elastic to be fred (and not functional, I mean why did they put that expensive elastic there if it wasn't to keep the shorts legs from riding up) but Fred (the real guy named Fred who sold Mr. his bike) told Mr. to turn it up. :eek:

so, I wanted to know what others thought.....

and maybe a list of all things "fred"

Fred list:
visors
reflectors
turning up your shorts elastic

[Veronica]

Personally I find the Fred label a bit offensive. Why do folks need to be so judgemental about other people's choices?

Veronica

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Well, I guess "Fred" could include just about anything that obsessesive roadies don't do. But remember not all "roadies" are obsessive or snobby about what's cool and what isn't. Personally, I think that the very act of deciding what's uncool is in itself uncool. (and i suspect you agree, re:function over style).

So with that in mind, and in the spirit of finding some amusement in it's silliness, fashion obsessed roadies might make fun of most anything, like:

--wider tires than 23mm, or Kevlar tires to prevent flats, or any size tire other than 700's
--regular (non-clipless) shoes and pedals
--non-Lycra/Spandex bottoms
--interruptor brakes
--bells
--mirrors
--headlights or fixed lights of any kind (small Blinkies "might" be considered ok in the rain or twilight IF they are removed while not in use) (!)
--ample saddlebags or panniers...nothing but the absolute smallest toolbag possible
--any handlebars other than drop bars
--"regular" food snacks like p&jsanwiches or Fig Newtons (not specifically manufactured for sport purposes)
--cycling tops that are not polyesther with giant garish designs and brand logos on them
--cushy padded "girly" saddles
--"regular" everyday socks of any kind
--plastic spoke protector discs
--hairy legs or arms might go in this list (non-aerodynamic, must be shaved!)
--wearing underwear under your shorts
--not wearing special biking gloves
--adequate maps (shows weakness and fear)
--anything that adds any weight at all to your bike

[silver]

I didn't mean to offend:o or be offensive.

I just wanted to clarify something that some take way too seriously. Even when Mr. Silver heard me talking in jest, it clearly left an impact on him.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

--wider tires than 23mm, or Kevlar tires to prevent flats, or any size tire other than 700's
--regular (non-clipless) shoes and pedals
--non-Lycra/Spandex bottoms
--interruptor brakes
--bells
--mirrors
--headlights or fixed lights of any kind (small Blinkies "might" be considered ok in the rain or twilight IF they are removed while not in use) (!)
--ample saddlebags or panniers...nothing but the absolute smallest toolbag possible
--any handlebars other than drop bars
--"regular" food snacks like p&jsanwiches or Fig Newtons (not specifically manufactured for sport purposes)
--cycling tops that are not polyesther with giant garish designs and brand logos on them
--cushy padded "girly" saddles
--"regular" everyday socks of any kind
--plastic spoke protector discs
--hairy legs or arms might go in this list (non-aerodynamic, must be shaved!)
--wearing underwear under your shorts
--not wearing special biking gloves
--adequate maps (shows weakness and fear)
--anything that adds any weight at all to your bike

FWIW, I am guilty of more than half of the above listed "offenses". ;) :cool: :D

[Veronica]

You weren't offensive Silver. :) Goodness, it would take way more than that to truly offend me.

Labels are just silly, reminds me of junior high. :D

V.

[mimitabby]

That's funny, I thought Fred was the guy with the super race bike,
the team jersey/shorts/race helmet, all the bells and whistles that
rides 10 miles on a flat road and doesn't know how to fix his own flat tires.

[Kano]

Oh, and another thing, I considered turning up your shorts elastic to be fred (and not functional, I mean why did they put that expensive elastic there if it wasn't to keep the shorts legs from riding up) but Fred (the real guy named Fred who sold Mr. his bike) told Mr. to turn it up. :eek:

so, I wanted to know what others thought.....

and maybe a list of all things "fred"

Fred list:
visors
reflectors
turning up your shorts elastic

Perhaps turning up the elastic is related to guys having hairy legs? Maybe the elastic grabs hair and, well, causes discomfort? Unless they shave, maybe that Fred guy had a good suggestion for Mr. Silver ....

Karen in Boise

[kelownagirl]

yeah me too. Kinda like the guy who buys all the expensive golf stuff or ski stuff and can't do either...

[Grog]

Humm, I'm also very much "function > form", but I must say:

Arm and leg warmers go under the sleeves or shorts, not over.

Jersey goes on top of the bib shorts' suspenders, not under.

Beyond these two fashion rules :cool: , other riders can do whatever they want as long as they are safe.

[smilingcat]

Fred (Wilma)

I've never heard of turning up the elastic band. but maybe I'm just sheltered. :p

I thought Fred was someone with really bad riding style and technique. Cloth and equipment wise I guess I was a Wilma for not switching over to clipless for a long time. I also refused to wear a cycling jersey and stuck with T-shirts for a long time. Now I wear the garish loud jersey. I still might get Southpark jersey with picture of Karmen on front and back. You can find it on TE's website.

Oh the reason for guys to shave their leg is when they crash and have a rasberry, the hair doesn't get in the wound. If it scabs over with matted hair... not a pretty sight.

Shawn

[midlife]

You wanna know what we called 'Fred' when I was at school...that time of the month:D :p

You can always wear a cyclist cap (those euro things that look like they are too small...) under your helmet if you want your eyes shaded...my hubby does - but he's got a shaved noggin! I have one for really hot sunny days, but with all my hair it gets too hot anyway. Visors are cool if you are MTBing (apparently!)

Turning up elastic was very 2005/2006 - that's why all the manufacturers put their name/brand on the elastic!! I think (in Australia anyway, 2006's 'cool' was white arm and leg warmers and booties...personally I think they are a wank -sorry another Aussie expression!!)

But it does depend on the elastic, some grips too tight and is painful and now my legs are slimmer (and I'm so short!) I tend to turn mine up!

It became cool to wear leg warmers over the shorts for a little while here, but I think cos they tended to slide down that fad didn't last!!

Well that's the theory smilingcat about shaving...but really it's cos it makes you look like a real cyclist...oh and for massage. I'm a massuer and I almost refuse to massage hairy legs. Feels awful

[Mr. Bloom]

That's funny, I thought Fred was the guy with the super race bike,
the team jersey/shorts/race helmet, all the bells and whistles that
rides 10 miles on a flat road and doesn't know how to fix his own flat tires.

Well Mimi, I guess that would be ME:p :p

Yesterday, Silver discovered that I had my inner tube, and this really nifty high tech universal tool, but absolutely NO LOW TECH TIRE LEVERS

Call me FRED:D

[momof4greatkids]

Hi Silver, and no there's nothing offensive in your post. It's natural to address the "fred" designation as it seems to be a prevalent concern among the "serious roadies" who are as fussily obsessed about their own appearance as a teen aged girl entering puberty.

But since you asked (you did ask right?) here my .02 FWIW: any "roadie" or cyclist of any genre, who even has a scintilla of concern about how another cyclist dresses, wears their visor, etc probably has low self esteem issues and feels the need to build him or herself up at the expense of others. For some reason there seems to be a preponderance of this type in the "serious roadie" category (see "road cycling" on bikeforums)....who knows why?

For this person it's not enough that they spend as many hours as they want on the bike, perhaps (ya think?) to the detriment of their interpersonal relationships, not enough that they are able to spend loads of ...ahem..."disposal" income on their hobby, they also feel the need to put down others who don't somehow measure up to their self-imposed, arbitrary standards.


It's really quite foolish.

I am done now :D

Colleen

[Batbike]

I have read this thread and thought you might want to know that the ORIGINIAL FRED is from a bicycling article (can't remember the exact magazine), back in the 70's or 80's, that was written in humor about a man's journey in his personal transformation from a "man on a bike" to a "cyclist" ... it was FUNNY!! I have a friend who has the magazine and enjoys passing it around to new people in cycling ... JUST FOR FUN. So, to me, FRED is humor ... not to be taken seriously and a "general term" for those who aren't "cycling chic" -- there is a little FRED in all of us ... thank goodness!! :D

From the ORIGINIAL FRED ... key "FRED points" are: long white tube socks, tucked in jersey, and loose fitting/too large helmet (you know, the kind that moves on your head when you move).

So, please don't take the FRED-thing seriously ... know it started long long ago in a little bicycling magazine by an author who could laugh at himself and the cycling community .... alll good! :cool:

[JamamaSpoke]

I must say that I have One (count em ONE ;) ) cycling jersey that I love to wear. I am not a serious cyclist by any stretch but I am proud to wear this jersey because I feel like I earned it on a biking trip with my husband last summer. (to be honest it is not even a 2005 it is a 2004 because they were only 20 bucks instead of $75!)

IMHO anyone that has enough time to obcess about another clothing has way too much time on their hands.

[mimitabby]

I must say that I have One (count em ONE ;) ) cycling jersey that I love to wear. I am not a serious cyclist by any stretch but I am proud to wear this jersey because I feel like I earned it on a biking trip with my husband last summer. (to be honest it is not even a 2005 it is a 2004 because they were only 20 bucks instead of $75!)

IMHO anyone that has enough time to obsess about another clothing has way too much time on their hands.

It might not be time, it might just be $$.

[fatbottomedgurl]

Yes, I am a mtb'er. When I went over the bars in January I did a face plant plus a full somersault with a half twist (clipped in to boot). The only thing that saved me from a busted nose or a ton of orthodontic work was my visor, which was hanging off my helmet when I finally got up to assess the damage.

Oh, and btw, some people have skin sensitive to the rubber in legs grippers, so they turn them up. That's why the manufacturers print their logos upside down inside the legs.

[DrBee]

There is another bike forum (so named) that frequently discusses Freds and their various attributes. You'll get your fill pretty quickly over there. We had a great discussion of threads here on TE about a year ago:
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=5569&highlight=fred

[Batbike]

FRED has been around for a LONG LONG time ... :eek: :p :mad: :)



Glossary of Biking Terms and Slang http://www.bicyclesource.com/you/culture/bicycling-glossary.shtml

fred
1) n. a person who spends a lot of money on his bike and clothing, but still can't ride. "What a fred -- too much Lycra and titanium and not enough skill." Synonym for poser. Occasionally called a "barney".
2) n. a person who has a mishmash of old gear, does't care at all about technology or fashion, didn't race or follow racing, etc. Often identified by chainring marks on white calf socks. Used by "serious" roadies to disparage utility cyclists and touring riders, especially after these totally unfashionable "freds" drop the "serious" roadies on hills because the "serious" guys were really posers. This term is from road touring and, according to popular myth, "Fred" was a well-known grumpy old touring rider, who really was named Fred.

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

[Batbike]

Fred (bicycling)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"Fred" is a derisive term used by cyclists to describe other cyclists, usually male, that appear amateurish and oblivious to cycling culture.

The exact qualities that define one as a "Fred" vary widely among regions and cyclists, but recently, particularly in the US, a Fred is somebody with higher quality and more expensive gear than his or her talent would warrant. For example:

A person watches the highlights of a few Tour de France stages, goes to a bike store and buys a Trek carbon fiber Madone in Team Discovery colors, along with Team Discovery shorts and jersey, and then rides it on a cycling path at 15 mph (25 km/h).
Such a person would be a prototypical Fred, especially if the jersey is yellow.

In the UK the earlier usage is more common—used by 'serious' roadies to refer to (often) bearded, sandal wearing, touring cyclists. The rare female Fred is a Doris.

This usage still survives in the US - David Bernstein, presenter of The FredCast says the term is "used by “serious” roadies to disparage utility cyclists and touring riders, especially after these totally unfashionable “freds” drop the “serious” roadies on hills because the “serious” guys were really posers."


[edit] Is a Fred just a poseur?
A Fred is generally too naive to be considered a poseur. A Fred is largely unaware of his or her status as an object of ridicule, and likely unaware of the Fred moniker. While it is common for cyclists to claim varying degrees of "Fredness", such self-derision indicates a higher degree of cycling cultural-awareness and would indicate that the commenter is, in fact, unlikely to be a Fred.


[edit] Word origin
The roots of the term "Fred" are unclear, though it purportedly originated from[1] a grumpy old touring rider named Fred.

This cycling-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.

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[Eden]

Yes, I am a mtb'er. When I went over the bars in January I did a face plant plus a full somersault with a half twist (clipped in to boot). The only thing that saved me from a busted nose or a ton of orthodontic work was my visor, which was hanging off my helmet when I finally got up to assess the damage.

Oh, and btw, some people have skin sensitive to the rubber in legs grippers, so they turn them up. That's why the manufacturers print their logos upside down inside the legs.


Ahh - but visors on mt bikers are not considered "Fred" at all, maybe even for that very reason?

I've always heard that "Fred" was a guy that would show up to the local shop's fast ride on his old clunky 10 speed wearing ripped cycling shorts, long socks and tennis shoes and badly needing a shower... His most endering trait that made him such a hated figure was that he had no problem hanging with the fast guys.... or even riding the legs off of them. If they couldn't out ride him, they could at least make fun of him.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Well Mimi, I guess that would be ME:p :p

Yesterday, Silver discovered that I had my inner tube, and this really nifty high tech universal tool, but absolutely NO LOW TECH TIRE LEVERS

Call me FRED:D

You should have just explained to her that you don't NEED tire levers- that you remove and replace your tire with your BARE HANDS while fixing a flat. (and then promptly go into the basement to practice actually DOING that so you won't be found out at a critical moment)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I've always heard that "Fred" was a guy that would show up to the local shop's fast ride on his old clunky 10 speed wearing ripped cycling shorts, long socks and tennis shoes and badly needing a shower... His most endering trait that made him such a hated figure was that he had no problem hanging with the fast guys.... or even riding the legs off of them. If they couldn't out ride him, they could at least make fun of him.

Sounds like the kind of guy I would like. (except for the needing a shower part)

[mimitabby]

Sounds like the kind of guy I would like. (except for the needing a shower part)

ah, come on, Lisa, water is cheap!

[velocilex]

I recently heard that having a chain ring mark on your right leg is tres Fred. Awright! Chalk up another Fred point to me! I'm such a total Fred (or Doris, as the case may be). Occasionally I pass a group of cyclists who are likely the type to point the Fred finger at others and I always make sure to wave and say "Hi!" as I go by. :D

[smilingcat]

I thought it was always Fred and Wilma from the flintstones. not too bright was the idea or total obliviousness to their sourroundings/status.

Barney I heard too, side kick of Fred. Happy go lucky. Again lack of awareness.

well all I can say is if you are happy riding then that's good. enjoy. but if you are causing problems for others on the road well that's not so good.

And who cares how one is dressed or what they ride. Exceptions are the posers with bad attitude.

[RoadRaven]

LOL...

May I just add to this?

My boss is a triathelete... his name is

... drrrrrrrum rrrrroll....

FRED!

[GLC1968]

The term 'FRED' just makes me laugh. I can certainly imagine the most 'elitist' of the roadies referring to all the rest of us recreational riders as 'Fred's...but still...I find it funny. If someone wants to think less of me because of what I wear or how I ride, then let them. That just makes me feel better about myself and less about them! :p

I work with a guy who picked up cycling a number of years ago to lose weight. He helped encourage me to ride with the guys at work when I first bought my bike and we both are now organizers of our company's MS150 team. BUT, he is constantly teasing me that my bike with my matching water bottles and my matching jacket makes me a Fred. I snort back that NO, it just makes me a woman. ;) Of course, this is pretty funny coming from a guy who is well over 250 lbs and yet rides on fancy racing wheels to save weight. Every ride over 60 miles he breaks a spoke...and he calls ME Fred. :rolleyes:

[aicabsolut]

Well, I guess "Fred" could include just about anything that obsessesive roadies don't do. But remember not all "roadies" are obsessive or snobby about what's cool and what isn't. Personally, I think that the very act of deciding what's uncool is in itself uncool. (and i suspect you agree, re:function over style).

So with that in mind, and in the spirit of finding some amusement in it's silliness, fashion obsessed roadies might make fun of most anything, like:

--wider tires than 23mm, or Kevlar tires to prevent flats, or any size tire other than 700's
--regular (non-clipless) shoes and pedals
--non-Lycra/Spandex bottoms
--interruptor brakes
--bells
--mirrors
--headlights or fixed lights of any kind (small Blinkies "might" be considered ok in the rain or twilight IF they are removed while not in use) (!)
--ample saddlebags or panniers...nothing but the absolute smallest toolbag possible
--any handlebars other than drop bars
--"regular" food snacks like p&jsanwiches or Fig Newtons (not specifically manufactured for sport purposes)
--cycling tops that are not polyesther with giant garish designs and brand logos on them
--cushy padded "girly" saddles
--"regular" everyday socks of any kind
--plastic spoke protector discs
--hairy legs or arms might go in this list (non-aerodynamic, must be shaved!)
--wearing underwear under your shorts
--not wearing special biking gloves
--adequate maps (shows weakness and fear)
--anything that adds any weight at all to your bike

You forgot Jersey underneath bibs. :p

(i am also guilty of a few "fred" offenses)

I saw something very interesting a few weeks back that may be the ultimate Fred: TT bike with Zipp 404s and all sorts of aero bling...bike's owner in aero helmet, booties, and skinsuit. ... *drumroll* .. Plus a triple.

(this was not an uphill TT).

[silver]

You should have just explained to her that you don't NEED tire levers- that you remove and replace your tire with your BARE HANDS while fixing a flat. (and then promptly go into the basement to practice actually DOING that so you won't be found out at a critical moment)

Lisa, I think you know him well! But in this instance he wouldn't be able to do this....because I know that he doesn't have any idea HOW to change a tire:p

It does give me a little bit of smugness. Very soon I will not be able to keep up with him. I struggle even now. He has a lot of up potential and I don't have much. So I'll hang on to this. :o

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

You forgot Jersey underneath bibs. :p

(i am also guilty of a few "fred" offenses)

I saw something very interesting a few weeks back that may be the ultimate Fred: TT bike with Zipp 404s and all sorts of aero bling...bike's owner in aero helmet, booties, and skinsuit. ... *drumroll* .. Plus a triple.

(this was not an uphill TT).

OK, I am SO Fred that I don't even know why either of these things are "Fred"!!! :eek: :eek: :D

[Fredwina]

Well, I guess "Fred" could include just about anything that obsessesive roadies don't do. But remember not all "roadies" are obsessive or snobby about what's cool and what isn't. Personally, I think that the very act of deciding what's uncool is in itself uncool. (and i suspect you agree, re:function over style).

So with that in mind, and in the spirit of finding some amusement in it's silliness, fashion obsessed roadies might make fun of most anything, like:

--wider tires than 23mm, or Kevlar tires to prevent flats, or any size tire other than 700's
--regular (non-clipless) shoes and pedals
--non-Lycra/Spandex bottoms
--interruptor brakes
--bells
--mirrors
--headlights or fixed lights of any kind (small Blinkies "might" be considered ok in the rain or twilight IF they are removed while not in use) (!)
--ample saddlebags or panniers...nothing but the absolute smallest toolbag possible
--any handlebars other than drop bars
--"regular" food snacks like p&jsanwiches or Fig Newtons (not specifically manufactured for sport purposes)
--cycling tops that are not polyesther with giant garish designs and brand logos on them
--cushy padded "girly" saddles
--"regular" everyday socks of any kind
--plastic spoke protector discs
--hairy legs or arms might go in this list (non-aerodynamic, must be shaved!)
--wearing underwear under your shorts
--not wearing special biking gloves
--adequate maps (shows weakness and fear)
--anything that adds any weight at all to your bike
Well, I have to comment here!:p
You left out some
wearing a helmet with a visor(esp road riding)
using SPD pedals on road bike (who, me?:o )
Copious use of reflective tape (Maybe I should a pic of the helmet I wore on the 300K I did Saturday. I think it scores a 100 on the Fred-o-meter)
and of course - the dreaded chain ring tattoo :eek:

[mimitabby]

I am a visor user too. Sheesh, it helps keep a little rain off your face. why is THAT Fred?

[Tuckervill]

I get a chain ring tattoo every time I ride, because of what I have to do to keep the dog in the yard while I open the gate, get me and the bike through and then close the gate.

I guess I *could* get off the bike, but that's too much trouble. :)

Karen

[JamamaSpoke]

It might not be time, it might just be $$.

It might also be called eliteist

[Starfish]

I am a total Fred:

I turn up my shorts in hot weather because the elastic puts a rash on my legs.

I have three bottle cages on my bike, and a huge, honking air pump (because I can actually get it to inflate tires) on TOP of my top tube, because that is the only place it fits. I will never forget limping home 40 slow miles alone on a soft, booted tire because I had used my last cartridge and my tiny, fashionable pump didn't work for me.

But, here is the best: I have aero bars on the front, and not only a triple, but a mountain derailleur on the back with a huge pie plate of a cassette.

It all works for me at my current level of fitness and the type of riding I like to do.

[mimitabby]

I am a total Fred:

I turn up my shorts in hot weather because the elastic puts a rash on my legs.

I have three bottle cages on my bike, and a huge, honking air pump (because I can actually get it to inflate tires) on TOP of my top tube, because that is the only place it fits. I will never forget limping home 40 slow miles alone on a soft, booted tire because I had used my last cartridge and my tiny, fashionable pump didn't work for me.

But, here is the best: I have aero bars on the front, and not only a triple, but a mountain derailleur on the back with a huge pie plate of a cassette.

It all works for me at my current level of fitness and the type of riding I like to do.

sounds good to me. And it also sounds like you are RIDING and that's what is important.

[spokewench]

You all missed my "FRED" faux pax - wearing a camelback on a road bike, even to race!

I come from mountain biking what can I say!:D

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I am a total Fred:

...But, here is the best: I have aero bars on the front, and not only a triple, but a mountain derailleur on the back with a huge pie plate of a cassette.

It all works for me at my current level of fitness and the type of riding I like to do.

Yay I'm with YOU honey!! We have so many giant hills around here...I have major hill gears on my road bike, a triple front, and like you, a mtn. derailleur in the back to handle all those gears. My DH told me that those derailleurs USED to be called simply "touring derailleurs" in the old days...made for touring and very hilly long distance country riding. Then mountain biking became de rigeur and suddenly they started calling them "mtn derailleurs". So there! :rolleyes:

Chain ring tattoos?....TOTALLY SEXY! When I occasionally get one, I NEVER wash it off in the shower! :D

Visor? Heck, aside from keeping the rain off my face it can help keep the SKIN CANCER off my face!!! :eek:

Fred rules!!!

[Wahine]

First off, I think the term Fred is funny if it's taken how it was intended, to refer to someone who is clueless.

If you've made a conscious decision to skip fashion for function for whatever reason, you're not clueless and not Fred. IMO.

The whole elitest cyclist business is why I don't go on club rides. It frustrates me when people make fun of others who might have a very good reason for doing things the way they do.

Having said that, the triple combined with the full on TT gear cracks me up.

Starfish, you have a very good reason to run your bike the way you do. But the dude that aicabsolut described is clearly clueless.

[wannaduacentury]

So soon in my venture into road cycling, I learned that "roadies" refer to things that are "roadie faux paux" as "Fred." I subsequently learned what "roadies" regard as "fred."

However, my personal feeling is that function trumps style. In other words, even if something is considered "fred" I'm not going to adhere to that if it's something that helps me. (i.e. I'm not a snob)

For instance, I was told that for a roadie to wear a visor on their helmet was fred, but I felt that the visor helped shield my sensitive eyes from the sun. So I wore my visor anyway. However, as time went on, I found that the visor really did restrict my vision, so I eventually did away with it and prefer not having it now.

In any event, apparantly, I refered to using a mirror as being "fred" and Mr. thinks I told him couldn't use one because of that. My perspective was that roadies consider it to be "fred, " but that doesn't mean that he shouldn't use one if he wants one.

Oh, and another thing, I considered turning up your shorts elastic to be fred (and not functional, I mean why did they put that expensive elastic there if it wasn't to keep the shorts legs from riding up) but Fred (the real guy named Fred who sold Mr. his bike) told Mr. to turn it up. :eek:

so, I wanted to know what others thought.....

and maybe a list of all things "fred"

Fred list:
visors
reflectors
turning up your shorts elastic

My helmet is a mtn bike helmet and I use it for everything, I love the visor-even for road trips, I usually ignore those petty comments. I'm also prone to wear my camelbak on the road too, even if it's more mtn bikish. I like to have water, so that's more important than "style". I do want a new helmet though, soon. I want a bright color-yellow would go. Jennifer

[Mr. Bloom]

Chain ring tattoos?....TOTALLY SEXY! When I occasionally get one, I NEVER wash it off in the shower! :D



Lisa, I've found that my chain ring tattoos last for a week. Ivory Soap won't get it off!

:eek: :eek: I use Ivory since my skin remains sensitive despite the abuse I took during my early membership on this forum:eek: :eek: :D

;) ;) Silver uses the more manly "Safeguard";) ;)

[Mr. Bloom]

Occasionally I pass a group of cyclists who are likely the type to point the Fred finger at others and I always make sure to wave and say "Hi!" as I go by. :D

Slight Hijack:

OK, I know I'm new. But whenever I pass cyclists, I wave, nod, say "hi"...something. Even if I'm working hard....

Half the time I get a friendly response, half the time...I'm ignored. What's the deal? Are these the real FREDs who are so self-absorbed that they're rude?

So, is the 50%/50% experience common or unusual to my area?

[Gowest]

OK, so it appears we all have a little Fred in us. I remember my first group (friends) ride on my road bike and I had the reflectors and camelback - so I am a Fred as well. I will never forget my friend David for delicately pointing these things out to me.......mind you he has red round reflector dangling off the back of his seat that I call the hemrrhoid reflector......

Has anyone ever listened to the podcast called the "Fredcast"?? It is full of wonderful and funny cycling information. I thought for the longest time the guy doing the podcast was named Fred.....duh - then someone told me what a "Fred" was and I got the name of the podcast...........

This thread is really funny - we can all identify!!!!!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

So, is the 50%/50% experience common or unusual to my area?

It's not unusual....but wait! Don't assume they are being rude! It's quite possible that these poor roadies are struggling mightily to keep up with their group and impress each other- struggling so hard, in fact, that they become totally absorbed in their own private agony. Don't resent them, instead, they need your sympathy and understanding! :)

Too funny about the Ivory and the Safeguard...

[aicabsolut]

OK, I am SO Fred that I don't even know why either of these things are "Fred"!!! :eek: :eek: :D

I understand the bathroom ease of wearing your bibs outside your jersey, but it's like wearing your underwear on the outside.

As for the TT bike...the setup was screaming hotshot OCP cyclist, but why worry about shaving off a few grams here and there and getting more aero with all your gear if you're, presumably, going to be switching into the granny gear for a TT not involving anything approaching a mountain.


As for the camelbak, someone DID race with one on Sunday. And she almost beat me!

Of course, I have a "dork disc," stock wheels, and my bottle cages aren't carbon. ;)

[Tuckervill]

Dawn dish detergent takes off the tattoos!

Simple Green does, too. :)

Karen

[kelownagirl]

I guess I am fred too because I don't even understand why a triple and TT gear is bad? Is a triple fred-like? I WISH I had more gears on the triple on my road bike, especially on the last hill home....

I like my visor because I can't wear sunglasses.

I still have the cheater pedals on my clipless pedals.

Mr. Silver - I only smile and say hi to half the people I meet but only because I'm shy, and/or I'm so focussed on climbing a hill or keeping up with DH.

[silver]

Ok, I think the Fred thing about the triple in the TT is this.....The cyclist was gone to great lengths to make himself as light and aerodynamic as possible but he's got extra weight on the bike in the triple cassette that he doesn't need. I believe that in general, Serious "elitist" roadies would consider using a triple as Fred.

I think....

[Batbike]

I don't think it is a FRED-thing to wear a visor on a helmet ... there is a VERY practical reason why visor's are not advised with road bikes, assuming the drop bar position, because you are lower on the handlebars and with a visor on your helmet, it forces you to lift your neck higher, causing possible excess muscle neck strain or shoulder strain ... on mountain bikes, you are more upright and it is not a problem. :cool:

A cycling cap under a helmet is advised for road riding because the cap bill is smaller than a visor but can still shield sun, rain, heat, etc., but not force a road cyclist to lift neck up as far ... so is the theroy. :eek:

IMO ... Fred is fun and willing to take a chance to PROVE cycling elite is NOT "all that" ... individuality and showing who is "boss" is ALL THAT -- that is why FRED doesn't conform to cycle elite protocal, but will happily wear white tube socks with a chainring tattoo, a tucked-in jersey, and flatfoot pedals, all the while LEAVING the peloton in the dust ... you gotta LOVE FRED! :rolleyes: :cool: :D :p :eek: :)

[PinkBike]

Of course, this is pretty funny coming from a guy who is well over 250 lbs and yet rides on fancy racing wheels to save weight.

this always cracked me up, a guy i knew who was always bragging about buying new stuff to shave a few grams off his bike and he also carried about 50 extra pounds on his person.

but y'know what? to each his own, he had the same amount of pride in his bike and his riding as anyone else, so who am i to demean him? i'm sure people think i'm touched to spend so much time and money and energy on my bike when i'm not near racing caliber. but i just totally enjoy it.

i'm thrilled when i see ANYBODY out riding. i think "you go girl!" and wish them every happiness like i get from my bike.

so i'm fred. but i'm way happy.

[Trekhawk]

As for the TT bike...the setup was screaming hotshot OCP cyclist, but why worry about shaving off a few grams here and there and getting more aero with all your gear if you're, presumably, going to be switching into the granny gear for a TT not involving anything approaching a mountain.



Perhaps he doesn't intend on using the granny in his TT but cant afford a separate bike for this discipline. Maybe his one bike has to fit all riding situations. If people are riding and having fun then thats all that matters at least to me.:)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Can someone please explain to this clueless Fredette what the heck TT and OCP means?? :confused: (top tube? obsessive compulsive paceline?...)

[solveig]

This thread makes me laugh because:
Not only can I never make it back from a ride without a chainring blob (from getting out the door, getting the bike on the rack, or just leaning the thing wrong when I stop)...

but I ride with two mismatched shoes (one Sidi, black w/ red & yellow highlights, and one royal blue Specialized)...the result of 2 very different foot sizes and a puny budget that only allows purchasing on Ebay!

:)

But my shoes make me smile every day!

[KnottedYet]

I am Fred, hear me roar!
I ride my bike, that's what it's for!

;) :D

(ok, someone post the next rhyming couplet)

[Fredwina]

Can someone please explain to this clueless Fredette what the heck TT and OCP means?? :confused: (top tube? obsessive compulsive paceline?...)
Close
TT = Time trail - form of racing where you race by yourself (vs in a pack) for best time over a course riders usually start a minute apart
OCP _ obsessive compulsive poser an example would be someone with a Trek Madone, full Discovery Channel kit (outfit), down to gloves and helmet, but gets dropped within a block on a group ride

[Mr. Bloom]

I am Fred, hear me roar!
I ride my bike, that's what it's for!

;) :D

(ok, someone post the next rhyming couplet)


White tube socks keep ma' legs clean.
Tucked in shirts keep some parts from bein' seen.

[silver]

I wear my visor to protect my face
And turn up the elastic when I race.

[KnottedYet]

I remember reading an article in Bicycling about 20-25 years ago where the writer was describing a "Fred" (not the term he used, though) he encountered on his ride who was wearing BLACK socks. Cuz then white sox were fashionable, so black socks were the faux pas.

Mr. Black Socks kicked the author's butt, so he was appropriately chagrined for judging someone based on their appearance.

[Starfish]

Having said that, the triple combined with the full on TT gear cracks me up.

Starfish, you have a very good reason to run your bike the way you do. But the dude that aicabsolut described is clearly clueless.

LOL, well, I do not wear a skin suit or TT helmet on my junkets, it's true! ;)

And, Mr. Silver, I think I agree with you on the maybe 50/50 split of responses. I admit my own acknowledgements of other cyclists can be pretty subtle if I'm really struggling up a hill, or working hard, or really just concentrating to myself. I do try to make some gesture, usually, and definitely if someone says something to me first.

[jobob]

Hee hee. As I was riding the brevet last weekend, I saw many bikes with fenders, lots of reflective tape, and Big Whonking Saddlebags.

I quipped to SadieKate, "I'm among my people!!!" :cool:

[Starfish]

[QUOTE=KnottedYet;183276]I am Fred, hear me roar!
I ride my bike, that's what it's for! QUOTE]

Yes, my setup is quite dorky,
though I need it 'cause I'm porky.

Going long leaves me all smiles;
so aerobars shred headwind miles.

And strangely I still love to climb,
(with my pie plate it's sublime)!

So, despite a look that's sappy,
check my smile: it means I'm happy!

:p

[RoadRaven]

I saw something very interesting a few weeks back that may be the ultimate Fred: TT bike with Zipp 404s and all sorts of aero bling...bike's owner in aero helmet, booties, and skinsuit. ... *drumroll* .. Plus a triple. (this was not an uphill TT).


OK, I am SO Fred that I don't even know why either of these things are "Fred"!!! :eek: :eek: :D

I see Aica has responsed to this one, but when I read it (in catch up mode, boy has THIS thread taken off!)... but when I read what Aica wrote I guffawed out loud and had to read the post out to those whose TV watching I had interrupted by snorting loudly! :p :D

Anyways Lisa... this is a funny Fredism because in a Time Trial (yup... thats a TT as answered in another post to another of your questions) you try to get into the biggest gear you can "get on top of" and stay there. Ideally you do not change gears unless you are changing into a harder gear.

So... not only is the low gear of a triple superflous and useless, but the extra width of the chains/extra cog makes the bike more wind resistantless therefore less aero...

And of course, as Aica alluded to, its extra weight you don't need to be carrying with you and pushing into the resistance in the air...

[Kimmyt]

So basically, I shouldn't get that new aero helmet for my weekly B-group rides??

:D

Stereotypes of 'posers' exist in every sport, and the characteristics that define a poser in each sport never cease to crack me up, but I'm as guilty as the next of judging people by what they look like. I guess its something about being human!

K.

[7rider]

I remember reading an article in Bicycling about 20-25 years ago where the writer was describing a "Fred" (not the term he used, though) he encountered on his ride who was wearing BLACK socks. Cuz then white sox were fashionable, so black socks were the faux pas.

Mr. Black Socks kicked the author's butt, so he was appropriately chagrined for judging someone based on their appearance.

I remember that article...or something like it. "In pursuit of Black Socks" stays in my mind. The author spent his entire lunch ride chasing him down -- "I think he was drafting off a truck" -- with no luck. A classic piece of pro-Fredism.

So...after skimming this thread....it seems that Fred is humanity. Fred is us. And if we can't poke a little fun at ourselves once in a while, what's the point?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Regina, that little bunny bottom in your avatar is TOO CUTE.

[Tater]

I am a Fred/Doris/Wilma or whatever you want to call me, but I don't care! :p I do what I do because it works for me.

- My helmet has a visor. I need all the sun protection I can get, if I have to look up a bit further to see from my position on the bike, fine. It also works well in the rain for keeping drops off my glasses because I cannot do contacts. My helmet also has a mirror! :eek:

- I will wear a Camelbak on rides longer than forty miles. Where I ride, I don't often have the option of stopping at a Kwik Mart for water, 'cause they don't exist.

- I wear black socks! :eek: I have a 'thing' about wearing white socks on the bike. Most likely because by the time I get home, they aren't white anymore. Black hides dirt, grime, and whatnot better.

I embrace my Fredness! :D

[Crankin]

This is why I only ride with groups that have a higher percentage of "Fredisms." Seriously, I don't think I commit any Fred like things with my attire, but I do have a carbon bike with a triple. So does my husband (he has gone from a double to a compact double to a triple). I wear a mountain helmet because it's one of the few that fits me, but I rip the visor off as soon as I get it. I have one reflector on the back of my bike, in case I'm out at dawn or dusk. Right now I have a fender on my bike (see my previous ride reports), but it will probably come off today.
On my ride Saturday, the chair person of the bike committee was wearing regular baggy shorts. His underwear was showing out of the top. Since I was sweeping, this was not a pretty sight. He rides a clunky hybrid, with a huge pannier. I'm pretty sure he could leave me in the dust on this bike, which is why I never say anything about Fred....

[Aggie_Ama]

Robyn- If a triple on carbon makes you a Fred, then I am one too! But you know, the hills in Texas are STEEP and when I drop some *manly* guy on one because I have a triple I am proud to be a "Fred". :D Somehow I think men find it okay for women to ride a triple, like we aren't strong enough to keep up on a double.

[KnottedYet]

Why I love Rivendell...

Oh my oh my, they have all the cool bike stuff that is so hard to find because it's "out of fashion!"

Someone posted about the current trend of "Rivendellizing" other bikes, which just gave me a warm cozy glow and made me smile.

Sounds like Nerdy-Fred is in style enough (anti-style?) that Poseur-Fred is wafting toward us?

(seems as though there are two definitions of Fred, so I shortened them to Nerdy <out of fashion and functional> and Poseur <slave to fashion for appearance not function>)

[KnottedYet]

- I wear black socks! :eek: I have a 'thing' about wearing white socks on the bike. Most likely because by the time I get home, they aren't white anymore. Black hides dirt, grime, and whatnot better.

I embrace my Fredness! :D

The "Black Socks" article we were talking about was 20 or 25 years ago! Tain't nothing "wrong" with black socks nowadays!

Socks are so much cooler and more interesting now than when I was a young 'un. When I was a kid we didn't have nifty pictures and colors on our socks! And we had to pedal uphill thru the snow barefoot both ways to school...:p

[SouthernBelle]

I too have a triple on a carbon.

As to the speaking thing that Mr. Silver bought up:

Sat. before last I decided to ride to my not so LBS, about a 50 mile out and back. About half way there I heard 'on your left' the front end of a bike club group ride. They had a regroup on up, so I stopped to chat as I had ridden with one of them before. As other riders came up to the re-group, all were very friendly and they invited me to join them. I told them I would tag along for a few, but not to worry about dropping me. The last riders trail in, including a woman who is very active in the local club and prides herself on keeping up with the fast guys. All she said to me was , "Who are you?" (the inflection was who the hell are you).

In retrospect it's funny, but sad.

I hope she's not the membership chair.

[amymisk]

I have read this thread with great joy and laughter!

I too must be a Fred since I ride my carbon bike with a triple and have a visor on my helmet!

I do agree with the Fred is humanity comment. If we can't poke fun at ourselves, why are we here?

[Thorn]

Hello, my name is Thorn, and, I am a Fred. It has been more than 40 years since I last was cool :)

But seriously, ain't it grand that there is a forum where Fred-ness isn't disparaged, but accepted and embraced?!?!?!?!?

Yes, I left the reflectors on my bike. They don't weigh much and if I'm caught out at dusk, they will be there. I even left that big pie plate thing behind my rear cassette. I wear lycra shorts because they are comfortable and bright jerseys because they are fun. Decked out like someone fast, I take my nice road bike, complete with triple and <shudder>rear rack</shudder> and speed off at 12mph. Yep, I fit. Hey, if the whole world conformed, what a boring place this would be! Be yourself. Embrace your non-conformance.

Oh, and as to the "Hi" thing....I always acknowledge and around here most people respond or initiate--even if it is just a struggling-for-breat, mini-hand wave (just the fingers lift from the handle bars).

[aicabsolut]

Perhaps he doesn't intend on using the granny in his TT but cant afford a separate bike for this discipline. Maybe his one bike has to fit all riding situations. If people are riding and having fun then thats all that matters at least to me.:)

This was a TT geometry bike. From frame to seatpost to aerobars. Not a standard road bike. We were all thinking...daaaamn, look at that pimped out bike. Teammate goes up to videotape it. Comes back laughing. Tells us to take a closer look. Yep. Triple. The only question: WHY?

I was doing the same TT with my basic road bike with no aerobars or anything because it was my first one and I didn't have time to practice or the cash. Of course, for a guy who has shelled out that much on parts (even if it wasn't a TT-specific bike), I don't think the money for new chainrings was an issue.

On any other bike, we wouldn't have cared. If you need a triple, go for it.

Raven explained my point better.

[Grog]

Who knows, maybe Mr. TT has knee issues that prevent him from pushing big gears on an uphill, but likes to do time trials anyway? He especially likes very hilly time trials? There has to be a reason why that triple chainring is there, because the shop people have certainly tried to talk him out of it!!

I tend to find good reasons to everything.

I find this a pretty good conversation. :) It makes me think that I wish my bike club (a women's club) was more Doris-friendly. It's been pushing real hard to develop female racers, which is GREAT, but I think it makes us look inaccessible to a lot of riders. I'll keep meditating about that.

[aicabsolut]

Could be. Who knows. I think he was racing in the ultra-newb men's collegiate category. Why you need Zipp 404's for that, I dunno. Maybe he likes to spin 150rpms :D. Some guy wearing jeans and riding a fixie schooled a lot of people in that TT. :p

[KnottedYet]

Some guy wearing jeans and riding a fixie schooled a lot of people in that TT. :p

Oh, yeah...

[Ninabike]

Another triple on a carbon checking in. I also have black socks!!

[mtbdarby]

WHAT???!!!:eek: :eek: :eek: You're not supposed to wear a visor whilest riding on the road? Of course, that does explain why my neck is always so darn sore when I practise riding in the drops, hehehe. Oh, the wise things I learn here...

Dar

[Grog]

Could be. Who knows. I think he was racing in the ultra-newb men's collegiate category. Why you need Zipp 404's for that, I dunno. Maybe he likes to spin 150rpms :D. Some guy wearing jeans and riding a fixie schooled a lot of people in that TT. :p

Maybe it was his triathlon bike? I know a few long-distance triathlon bike courses where I'd be happy to have a triple!!!!!! :eek:

[Susan126]

Another triple on a carbon checking in. I also have black socks!!

I ride a 650 with triple and a mirror on my helmet!!!!! EEEEE GADS! :eek:

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

There is a tipping point at which being really uncool (Fred) suddenly becomes Uber Cool. Ideally, we should strive for this. It's sort of like movies that are SO bad that they then fall into the Great category.

[Trekhawk]

There is a tipping point at which being really uncool (Fred) suddenly becomes Uber Cool. Ideally, we should strive for this. It's sort of like movies that are SO bad that they then fall into the Great category.

I love it!! Maybe I will be great after all.:D

[spokewench]

Who knows, maybe Mr. TT has knee issues that prevent him from pushing big gears on an uphill, but likes to do time trials anyway? He especially likes very hilly time trials? There has to be a reason why that triple chainring is there, because the shop people have certainly tried to talk him out of it!!

I tend to find good reasons to everything.

I find this a pretty good conversation. :) It makes me think that I wish my bike club (a women's club) was more Doris-friendly. It's been pushing real hard to develop female racers, which is GREAT, but I think it makes us look inaccessible to a lot of riders. I'll keep meditating about that.

I've been running a newbie womens group ride for a few years in Flagstaff. It is an uphill battle here in our rural area town. The ladies in town who want to race or race (don't and won't come on rides with this group) and vice a versa. I can get strong men to come on these rides to help but no gals. The gals that race could be helped by some training rides where they work on skills but don't seem to realize this. So, it is really a balancing act. Women are just as susceptible as men to peer pressure and wanting to be with the in group.

You just have to have separate groups and in a town this small it doesn't work very well.:(

[HappyAnika]

Phew, I was beginning to think I was the only one with a visor. I just like to minimize the sun in my eyes. Although I may get a second helmet for when I do canyon rides to increase my visibility on the descent.

Speaking of canyon rides, I love my triple. I couldn't ride the canyons without it. I'm glad I'm not the only one with a triple (albeit I have an aluminum frame). ;)

I had never seen people turn up the bottom of their shorts until I started riding with my club this spring. :confused: When I first saw that, my thought was that they were clueless. Oops, maybe I am the clueless one. Either way, my shorts are staying down, I need the grippers to keep them from riding up. I'm with that whole function over fashion thing.

[aicabsolut]

Maybe it was his triathlon bike? I know a few long-distance triathlon bike courses where I'd be happy to have a triple!!!!!! :eek:

Hmm..good point. But if you were a guy, would you still use a triple, or would that be "Fred"? (seems us women can get away with them a little easier huh?) Still, as far as weight and aerodynamics, a compact double makes the most sense if you need the smaller gears.

[smilingcat]

Just too funny. Something I never considered...

A triple on a full on TT bike. spinning at 150rpm. Oh my. Now I think triples are absolutely wonderful for those who wants or needs it. It gives you more flexibility in the gear you want to ride.

Nothing more stupid than grinding your way up a steep hill (6-9% or even a 15% grade) on a corncob with 39/54 chainring. I've watched others smile and pass me up the hill as they spun their cranks. And all I could do was ...

Anyway, my father used to tease me about my workout on a bike. He suggested that I use a beach cruiser single speed with a mustache bars and solid rubber tires. And while at it, put a rack with pannier on both side. He added that I would get a much better work out.

How can I argue with such perfect logic?

maybe I will deck out a beach cruiser with a fixed gear, my speedplay pedals, and replace the wide comfy spring loaded seat with a sella Itallia racing saddle. Ofcourse, I would need to attach a streamer on the bar plugs and a small bicycle bells on the handle bar. A generator with a head light and a tail light, a kick stand, fenders. Did I miss anything??

My reply was: I don't think logically like that. Color matching is logic and styling is logic in my books :p So I'm vain to some degree.

And guys are slave to fashion too. look at all the barneys. Dressed like a members of CSC, Discovery...

shawn

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

maybe I will deck out a beach cruiser with a fixed gear, my speedplay pedals, and replace the wide comfy spring loaded seat with a sella Itallia racing saddle. Ofcourse, I would need to attach a streamer on the bar plugs and a small bicycle bells on the handle bar. A generator with a head light and a tail light, a kick stand, fenders. Did I miss anything??...

There it is! You see? Voila!....UBER COOL !!!!!

[Grog]

Hmm..good point. But if you were a guy, would you still use a triple, or would that be "Fred"? (seems us women can get away with them a little easier huh?) Still, as far as weight and aerodynamics, a compact double makes the most sense if you need the smaller gears.

Compact doubles are nice for the lower end of the gear spectrum, but they suck on long descents. Even I like to be on 53X11 for those.

In all cases, I was just trying to say that we have no idea why this guy has a triple on his bike, and there are good chances that he's not clueless.

[aicabsolut]

maybe I will deck out a beach cruiser with a fixed gear, my speedplay pedals, and replace the wide comfy spring loaded seat with a sella Itallia racing saddle. Ofcourse, I would need to attach a streamer on the bar plugs and a small bicycle bells on the handle bar. A generator with a head light and a tail light, a kick stand, fenders. Did I miss anything??


Handlebar basket. :D

[aicabsolut]

triple on his bike, and there are good chances that he's not clueless.

Aha! But how far down the clueless spectrum is "Fred"? That's what I'm wondering.

Those who have had their chain go into their spokes may think a "dork disc" isn't clueless. But they still may admit it's Fred.

Just for giggles, I looked up some nice TT / Tri bikes, like a pimped out Felt (which I also saw at this race). The standard rings on them run something like 54/42T. with 11-23 cassettes. Wow.

[liberty]

I'll admit it; I'm a Fred. Or a Fred-ette. :) Not a racer, but I have a road bike. I bike slow, and I have aero bars. I granny gear up hills and ride the brakes down hills. I have yet to change a flat on a ride (but I've done two in the house. Nice when they blow indoors :) ). I have a helmet mirror. I say hi to people when I pass them.

FYI: aero bars are wonderful! No, I don't use them when riding with other people. But they help my back tremendously, thus the reason for the purchase. The helmet mirror keeps me safe when I ride the hills around my house. Too dangerous to turn around and look behind you on those backroads. The road bike is much easier on my knees than the hybrid. And the hills... That is a testament to my utter avoidance of them for the past several months. So I am paying the piper now... Ugh. But yes, I am a Fred. And I like it.

[Aggie_Ama]

I had no problem with the "dork disc" but it was driving me crazy making noise. The manager of my LBS said that after 300 miles (when I had her first tune up) it wasn't going to be a big issue. My old bike didn't have one so I trusted him on this.

I roll up the elastic on one pair of shorts I have. They are a team kit that only came in mens (whatever), so they are too long for this petite gal. I fold them over and they are still grazing the top of my knee.

[Mr. Bloom]

There is a tipping point at which being really uncool (Fred) suddenly becomes Uber Cool. Ideally, we should strive for this. It's sort of like movies that are SO bad that they then fall into the Great category.

Yep...check this out...that's the richest guy in the world in the lower left hand corner:

http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/photos/microsoft.html

If I had invested $8,800 in Microsoft back then, rather than a brand new camaro, I'd be retired right now!!!

Ponder that:D :D :D :D

[Starfish]

I have a helmet mirror.


Oh, I forgot, I use a glasses-mounted mirror, too. I can understand not wanting a mirror on low traffic rides, but out on the highway, with loaded logging and chip trucks and tourist 5th-wheels coming by all the time, I really like seeing who is coming up behind me. When traffic is thick, I'd be turning my head every few seconds.

[KayTee]

[QUOTE=Aggie_Ama;183546]I had no problem with the "dork disc" but it was driving me crazy making noise.

Um, what's a "dork disc"? I know what a disc wheel is, but it doesn't sound like you mean that - ?

Thanks for educating another Fred...;)

[Thorn]

Um, what's a "dork disc"?

The circle of plastic or metal that sits between the largest gear in your rear sproket and the spokes. The purpose, I believe, is to prevent the chain from dropping into the spokes if you overshift.

I have yet to remove my dork disc. Maybe if I get a Seven, I'd feel different, but mine doesn't make any noise. There was a previous thread that talked about cutting it off. I'm so mechanically dis-inclined I'd probably succeed in cutting a spoke.

[KayTee]

OK, got it now - thanks! :D

[Celeste]

Yep...check this out...that's the richest guy in the world in the lower left hand corner:

http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/photos/microsoft.html



Oh my gosh! Sorry to say this, but they look like serial killers! :eek: ;) :p

[Brandi]

That's funny, I thought Fred was the guy with the super race bike,
the team jersey/shorts/race helmet, all the bells and whistles that
rides 10 miles on a flat road and doesn't know how to fix his own flat tires.
I concur with the added note. I thought everything had to be the same color i.e. colthes, helmet, shoes etc.. had to all be the same color. I thought that is what a Fred was?

[mimitabby]

Yep...check this out...that's the richest guy in the world in the lower left hand corner:

http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/photos/microsoft.html

If I had invested $8,800 in Microsoft back then, rather than a brand new camaro, I'd be retired right now!!!

Ponder that:D :D :D :D

geez, If I had $880.00 dollars in 1978, I would have thought that i was rich!

1978: Married in March to unemployed cute Raleighdon. Got temp job until July, then helped DH with his gardening business until I had baby in November.
DH found job at sugarbeet factory and quit 2 weeks later. In December he bought me a vacuum cleaner with 75&#37; of our money. we had 25 feet of carpeting in our 65 foot mobile home.
Ah, yes, there are GOOD reasons why I didn't invest in Microsoft that year.

[smilingcat]

The circle of plastic or metal that sits between the largest gear in your rear sproket and the spokes. The purpose, I believe, is to prevent the chain from dropping into the spokes if you overshift.

I have yet to remove my dork disc. Maybe if I get a Seven, I'd feel different, but mine doesn't make any noise. There was a previous thread that talked about cutting it off. I'm so mechanically dis-inclined I'd probably succeed in cutting a spoke.

You don't have to cut off the dork disk. That's really dorky. Just remove the cluster and the disk should just come off.

Speaking of which, one of the fuuniest sight I've seen over the years back in the days of freewheels. A FRED was happily riding his bike, it was making some fuuny sound as he rode. It was sounding rather odd, so I rode next to him for a while listening and looking for the sound. The smallest cogs screwed into the rest of the freewheel body and it had unscrewed itself. So there it was two sets of cogs just dangling on the skewer... It turns out he never rode in the smallest of cogs. The four lowest gears were fine. Top two was unusable in that state.

[Mr. Bloom]

Speaking of which, one of the fuuniest sight I've seen over the years back in the days of freewheels.

What is "freewheels"?

[lph]

So there it was two sets of cogs just dangling on the skewer... It turns out he never rode in the smallest of cogs. The four lowest gears were fine. Top two was unusable in that state.

This reminds me of the time I was working on my bike outside, and one of neighbours comes along with a worried look and asks shyly if I can take a look at her son's bike, because "it doesn't work".

Apart from the flat, which I offered to help her fix a day I had a bit more time, it turns out that whoever had put the bike together - I'm assuming some bargain store - had just attached the derailleur cable at the shifter end, found out it was really really long, and instead of adjusting it to the right length and cutting off the slack had wrapped it around the frame until it was "short enough". :eek:

"Hey, he has a derailleur! He doesn't need to actually USE it!"

[Jenn]

Ok, so the jist of Fred is it is pretty Fubard eh? I learned ALOT from this post and I also laughed my Fred butt off!:p

[li10up]

I'm trying to de-Fred my new bike of a seat bag. Does anyone know of an in-jersey pocket case of some sort for tube, patches, tire levers, co2?

I like the looks of no seat bag; plus, this way I don't have to switch my stuff between bikes.

[7rider]

Just for giggles, I looked up some nice TT / Tri bikes, like a pimped out Felt (which I also saw at this race). The standard rings on them run something like 54/42T. with 11-23 cassettes. Wow.

That makes my knees hurt, just thinking about it! :eek:

[7rider]

I'm trying to de-Fred my new bike of a seat bag. Does anyone know of an in-jersey pocket case of some sort for tube, patches, tire levers, co2?

I like the looks of no seat bag; plus, this way I don't have to switch my stuff between bikes.

A ziploc bag?

[li10up]

A ziploc bag?

Too Fred. ;)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I'm trying to de-Fred my new bike of a seat bag. Does anyone know of an in-jersey pocket case of some sort for tube, patches, tire levers, co2?


"Hump?....What hump?"
-Young Frankenstein

[li10up]

"Hump?....What hump?"
-Young Frankenstein
I travel light. It wouldn't be much of a hump at all. Just want to keep it all together so I can just grab it and go.

[Starfish]

How 'bout a zippered makeup case? :p

[Starfish]

This thread reminded me of a time when I really learned how much of a Fred I must look like.

I was quite a distance from home and service, and I had a flat. I was just walking my bike a short distance to a safer part of the shoulder to fix it, and some really nice people with un-Fred bikes on their car stopped to see if I had what I needed.

I assured them I was OK and thanked them very much for stopping (very sincerely...it was nice of them!). One of them wasn't convinced, and I told her all the repair stuff I had with me (including cartridges). She looked at me and said: Do you know how to use them? :)

(A fair question, really, but I thought...I really must look like I have no clue...also a fair assumption a lot of the time! LOL) :D

[smilingcat]

I knew it I knew it!! I'm a WILMA afterall. I use ziplock bags to keep spare change, and few small loose items together. And I also use small zip lock bag with small amount of talc powder in it and a spare tube. The spare tube covered lightly with talc powder makes it much easier to install the spare tube.

The set of cogs in the rear today are called cassettes. There we have 9 or 10 set of cogs and its held on the real wheel assembly with a locking ring.

Prior to cassettes, we had free wheels. It consisted of 5 set of cogs then 6/ultra 7 ... the locking ring didn't exist. The whole cog assembly had a threading in it so you just screwed the freewheel body onto the rear wheel assembly. Now you can imagine how tight the freewheel got as you pedaled your way up the hill. Pumping your leg, and with each revolution the freewheel assembly got screwed on that much tighter. The way big boys removed the freewheel was to tighten the freewheel tool in a big heavy duty vise and you would torque the whole wheel. This was a MAN's job. I couldn't do it no way no how nada...

I'm been around a LOONNNGGG time. was riding seriously when Eddy Meryck (sp) was a big name. Later Greg Le Mond became a big name. It took some time to convince people that he was an American not some French. Then he had that stupid hunting accident that ended his career. Team 7-up? Coors Classic? ... oh gosh and there was that huge race on the east coast. Sorry having my senior moments. ;)

been ridin' safety bikes most of my life. ;)