Bad news for MAMILs - 1 in 3 think cyclists should ditch Lycra before turning 40, says British Heart Federation survey (+ infographic)

What if the lycra is Rapha? Do I get bonus points for toff-stylin'?

Why does an organisation trying to promote cycling and its health benefits even ASK THE LYCRA QUESTION?? Talk about shooting yourself in the foot...

I'm being discriminated against, I'm an 'Old Man In Lycra' and never get a mention!

Two tandemists easily completed the much feared "Snow Roads" 300k randonnee last weekend - combined ages >140yrs. Both looking good in lycra!

The survey says, with a resounding two to one majority that we over 40s should wear Lycra.

The headline turns it around.

But hey! Who really cares?

The survey and it's publication here are surely done in jest and just to get the real messages of the BHF onto screens and into print. Job done I'd say.

If you were to take this seriously Jens Voigt and Chris Horner would find hot races quite sticky.

Both over 40, both still riding grand tours.

Let's gets something clear about the beauty industry: their entire industry is devoted to focusing on people's insecurities. They are also an industry that values form over function, and is entirely about appearance.

That said, there are many men and women over 40 who look very good in lycra.

For myself, I would not wear anything but lycra for my daily commute, as I put 65 to 70km behind me every day commuting. As for my waist measurement - it is roughly what it was when I was 18.

I presume that the majority of those who think that the Lycra should be ditched at 40 are simply suggesting this out of concern for the cyclist's self-esteem rather than because MAMILs are painfully offensive to the beholder. This would explain why those in the beauty professions recommend ditching Lycra at age 28; they are giving beauty advice, not demanding respite from painful ugliness, or are they?

Hairdresser: "Don't look out the salon now!" [shading eyes]
Esthetician: "Hot Dermawand, I looked! A 30 year-old in Lycra!" [retching]

All this on a day when it looks like obesity could be classed as a disability, thanks BHF. where's the nearest Greggs?

I am a 41 year old who looks dreadful in his due to years of inactivity till i was gripped by this world!

I don't give a flying F**k, i love my Lycra and I love my bike so go away with your polls!

People in marketing cycle the furthest each week? Of course they do. They are always 100% truthful that lot.

I'm sure context matters to the question, is there anyone that has a set attire that they always wear on the bike no matter what the ride is for?

I'll wear lycra if I'm doing a training ride, or taking a long Sunday spin. If I'm commuting, I'll usually wear MTB shorts (I ride cross, we can make up our own rules). For local trips, it's whatever the hell I have on.

Yes after 40 Mom jeans are much more appropriate.

Didnt wear lycra before 27
wont wear lycra at 40
everyone's happy.

And fuck whatever people think. You like lycra, wear lycra. Thoughts police can die.

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.

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.

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

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!

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?