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New Forest SportiveBad news for MAMILs - 1 in 3 think cyclists should ditch Lycra before turning 40, says British Heart Federation survey (+ infographic)
Nearly one in three people believe that cyclists should ditch Lycra before they turn 40, according to a new survey from the British Heart Foundation (BHF) - bad news for so called MAMILs (middle aged men in Lycra). The charity has also launched a partnership with British Cycling aimed at getting more people to ride bikes.
One of the aims of the partnership between the BHF and British Cycling is to help cyclists develop their skills and improve their confidence on the bike, and by joining the organisation via the charity’s website members will gain access to training materials, as well as other benefits. The BHF will receive a £4 donation for each person who joins.
Stewart Kellett, recreation and partnerships director at British Cycling, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with the BHF to get more people pedalling, not only to improve their health but also to power research to raise vital funds to tackle the UK’s single biggest killer, coronary heart disease.
“Together with the BHF, we are hoping to inspire people the length and breadth of the country to saddle up to help improve their fitness and overall heart health as well as helping further a truly worthy cause.
“By becoming a British Cycling Member, cyclists will have access to training material to get them in tip-top shape for their upcoming ride. We also have a number of training rides available to BHF supporters to get them ready for any cycling challenge.”
Shoshanna Goodman, cycling project manager at the BHF, added: “Our partnership with British Cycling will provide our supporters with additional guidance and expertise to help them build their confidence and prepare for one of our bike rides.
“Each year around 60,000 cyclists get on their bike for us and challenge themselves on road, off-road, overnight or overseas, raising approximately £5million for life-saving research.
“Cycling is a fantastic way to keep your heart healthy and by taking on a ride for us, not only will you be keeping fit but you will be helping us fund life-saving research.”
The BHF and Santander, which sponsors the charity’s fundraising cycling events, including the London to Brighton Bike Ride, surveyed 2,000 people to find out their views on fitness and cycling.
They found that mechanics are the most physically active profession, exercising on average four days a week, but bankers who are keenest about cycling for leisure, with 87 per cent doing so.
Lycra’s biggest detractors were found in the beauty industry, with workers in that sector saying no-one beyond the age of 27 should wear it – bad news for the likes of Mark Cavendish and Sir Bradley Wiggins.
Teachers turned out to be more MAMIL friendly, although even they said that 44 should be the upper age limit for donning tight fitting gear.
There are more results from the survey in the infographic below.
Simon joined road.cc as news editor in 2009 and is now the site’s community editor, acting as a link between the team producing the content and our readers. A law and languages graduate, published translator and former retail analyst, he has reported on issues as diverse as cycling-related court cases, anti-doping investigations, the latest developments in the bike industry and the sport’s biggest races. Now back in London full-time after 15 years living in Oxford and Cambridge, he loves cycling along the Thames but misses having his former riding buddy, Elodie the miniature schnauzer, in the basket in front of him.
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78 comments
Don't care what people wear, would rather see an overweight person on a bike in lycra than sitting on the couch getting bigger. Good for them, good for society.
Sorry I disagree I am 80 repeat 80 and wear Lycra shorts, they are very comfortable and I look good. I am not fat and overweight!
I'm 68 this year and still wear lycra when I ride. I actually think it makes me look good - I certainly FEEL good in it and it is much more comfortable and convenient than the alternatives. I have never had anybody tell me I look wrong in it, any more than they do when I wear a wet suit for body-boarding.
i would agree that if somebody is significantly overweight, with a beer belly, then it looks wrong, but neiher of these apply to me.
End of a long, hard day, cropped.jpg
Aye, you look freaking fit, mate.
The only thing hurting my eyes in that picture is the saddle bag.
Well luckily I don't give a shit what 1 in 3 people think, or the other 2 in 3 either so I'll carry on wearing whatever I bloody well like.
Bugger what people think. Im overweight and wear lycra 'cause its the most suitable thing to wear whilst cycling to get fit and lose weight.
I may look like a Froome-stick one day but still wont give a s**t what people say
"We want to get people cycling…" so let's make them feel self conscious so they stay in their cars. Good work eh?
Working in a heart hospital I raised this with a British heart foundation nurse yesterday. She told me that she can't believe they asked such ridiculous questions when they should be promoting exercise for all without any ridiculous ideas on what people should wear.
I've never heard of the the British Heart Federation....Foundation yes, Federation...no
What a counter productive survey from BHF!
Lycra is for cycling in, end of
Nearly one in three people surveyed by the British Heart Foundation were inactive, obese, alcoholics who couldn't cycle 100 miles if their very lives depended on it. Said one respondent "I hate seeing fit people outside doing physical activities." Another added: "I feel a compulsive need to tear down anyone who isn't exactly like me."
Wow a lot of comments about Lycra! We sell a LOT of cotton piquet cycle polo's and Merino wool cycle tops. If you want to be different and follow the BHF advice vivit us www.meccanicacycles.com BeDifferent
meccanica-union-fixie-lores.jpg
Does this apply to women too?
I turn 40 next month and see no reason at all to ditch my lycra shorts or leggings. I've always worn them when cycling because I think they're the most comfortable thing to wear in the saddle. Granted, I don't wear the shorter shorts now, but I'm confident enough in how I look to carry on wearing what I do. I can still catch a younger (work)man's eye, so that's good enough for me! 
[[[[[ Lycra is for swimming too, among other activities. Uh-oh! For my next swim, I'm wearing baggy brown corduroys---wouldn't want to offend anyone at the pool, now.
Ive noticed a good proportion of middle aged women secretly cant resist 30-40 yo men in lycra shorts.
I am a what is known as a MAMIL, i only started cycling again 2 years ago at the age of 40 after 15+ years off the bike.
they can say what they like but i wouldn't where anything else on a bike no matter how old.
First try to catch up with this mamil, then complain about my albescent lyrca
Does this mean I have to ride nekkid now?
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