2007-07-02 09:53:37 · 4 answers · asked by ChuckTheCyclist 2 in Sports ➔ Cycling
FRED or BARNEY
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.
2007-07-03 09:35:03 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
OK I'll admit to being a cycle snob. A fred is another word for a poser. Someone who buys a $5000 bike and thinks he's the man, but has no skills. When you see a guy riding down the road with a Trek Madonne, full Discovery uniform, Livestrong bracelet and then a rear view mirror. That's a Fred.
2007-07-02 10:24:03 · answer #2 · answered by Jay P 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Here's an illustration:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/images/wednesday-7-7-04.jpg
2007-07-02 14:21:17 · answer #3 · answered by scott.braden 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"Fred" is like
"nerdy-looking" or old fashioned....like Fred Rogers. Don't know if it is used much anymore.
2007-07-02 10:24:38 · answer #4 · answered by ciaobella 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋