A “Fred” is a rider with an entire professional team kit and an expensive bike but without the skill or commitment of hard-core riders. They tend to ride at club run pace (around 12 mph) and care more about appearances than capability.
Fred behavior is characterized by overbranding—jersey, bibs, helmet, and bike—all without the volume and the technique of the training to go along with it. While the terminology is tongue-in-cheek, it highlights the imbalance between investment in attire and riding competence. Embracing the culture of cycling is about fashion and function in harmony: Freds are the ones who remind us that enthusiasm and effort define riders more than apparel.
