Cycling into Midlife: The Mamil Revolution

Mamil stands for middle-aged man in Lycra, referring to men, often between the ages of 35 and 50, who ride expensive road bikes for pleasure and wear tight-fitting clothing. Somewhat unfairly, Mamils are often associated with mid-life crisis cliches like men buying sportscars and motorcycles or running off with younger women. But unlike the traditional cliches that men are just interested in regaining their youth, the Huff Post writes that men become mamils for a range of reasons, including a desire for physical challenges, socialisation, sustainable pursuits, and the chance to spend time outdoors in nature.

British success at the Beijing and London Olympics, followed by Bradley Wiggins becoming the first British man to win the Tour de France, are credited with increasing the visibility and popularity of men's cycling. A marketer coined the term Mamil in 2010 to explain the phenomenon.  

The Guardian adds that a mamil is typically in his 30s and 40s 'with a decent income, who reads broadsheet newspapers, and who shops at Waitrose'.   

Mamils will have the disposable income to afford the clothing and equipment. Cycling is not a cheap hobby to get into. Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, one rider admitted his bike cost around ten grand. Mamils are often the butt of jokes and memes, but middle-aged men are at risk of inactivity as they age. They may also be less likely to build and maintain close friendships as they age.Cycling, therefore, can become a means of remaining physically fitter for longer, reducing the risk of poor health outcomes and providing a way to socialise and bond in a way that’s not just limited to cycling but to masculinity and the male experience.  

Lycra-clad riders are also likely to be seen stopping at cafes or pubs, adding to the sport's social aspect. 

Given that mamils aren't professional cyclists, you're also likely to see larger men riding. Their tight-fitting clothing can make them a target of ridicule, but unfortunately, this isn't specific to men or cycling. Lycra and tight-fitting clothing are generally more comfortable for riders, reducing chafing and preventing loose clothing from getting caught in the bike. For mamils hoping to improve performance and times, it's also aerodynamic.  

What's great about the mamil movement is that cycling has many cardiovascular and mental health benefits. Cycling can boost the immune system. It can cut your risk of heart disease by around 50 per cent. According to the British Heart Foundation, around 10,000 fatal heart attacks could be avoided each year if people kept themselves fitter. Cycling is high-intensity but low-impact, which means it's far more accessible to people with injury, illness or mobility issues as it offers a physical workout without putting stress on the joints like running.   

Bike Rader has a great article about Mamilism. It states that while men in middle age are more likely to gain weight, mamils are slimmer than their non-riding counterparts. Cycling is also more physically sustainable than other exercises like running, as most people can cycle for longer than they can run. The same article also points out that men who exercise for three or more hours a week can live up to 2.3 years longer than sedentary men.   

There's even a documentary dedicated to detailing the mamil community.