What do we call classic Freds now?
The term "Fred" (or "Doris" for women) used to refer to a cyclist who didn't conform to "pro" roadie conventions: think of that guy who shows up to the group ride on a hybrid bike with flat pedals wearing cargo shorts and a T-shirt. It didn't imply anything about skill; if anything, classic Freds would smoke riders on fancy road bikes wearing "real" cycling kit.
Nowadays, "Fred" means the complete opposite: someone who shows up to the group ride on a $15k top-end aero carbon race bike in full Rapha kit and proceeds to get dropped as soon as the pace line hits 20 MPH or at the first 5% climb.
Seems like we need a new term for the Fred of yore. Is there one?
Posted Jun 12, 2026, 8:11 PM UTC
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