Do cyclists have to be slim to wear Lycra?

[Matt Cycle]

Olympic legend Sir Chris Hoy says Lycra can look "awful" on anyone weighing more than 8st (49kg) and that amateur cyclists don't have to pull on a pair of tight-fitting shorts to look good. Is he right?

It is a question that many amateur cyclists will have asked at some point: does my belly/legs/bum* (*delete as appropriate) look big in this?

But according to Sir Chris - the six-time Olympic gold winning cyclist - not enough people think before pulling on a pair of Lycra leggings.

"Lycra isn't the most elegant material you can wear and professional cycling gear generally looks awful on pretty much anyone heavier than 8st," he wrote in GQ magazine.

He said the desire of so-called "mamils" - the dreaded middle-aged man in Lycra - to be seen in the latest high-performance Team Sky cycling kit all too often results in a tummy-turning experience for onlookers.

"Personally, I feel sorry for mamils," he wrote. "When they walk into a cafe dressed head-to-toe in Lycra, you always spot people sniggering at them."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-41081756

I think this is a bit unfair of Sir Chris. Cycling should be about wearing what you want and riding whatever bike you like. I wear lycra because I think it's the best and most comfortable material for riding in but also feel good when I've got my proper gear on. Suits me sir. Yes, it may not be the most attractive look on everyone and any sort of clothing is not just about function but about how you look and feel in it but if people feel good in wearing it whatever their size then why not?

 

[Copepod]

Personally, I don't care what I look like when cycling, but padded cycling shorts / pants are essential for rides longer than about 5 miles. Often hidden under normal trousers. I have a few items of lycra, but comfort and low wind resistance are the crucial factors.

 

[Bubbsie]

Olympic legend Sir Chris Hoy says Lycra can look "awful" on anyone weighing more than 8st (49kg) and that amateur cyclists don't have to pull on a pair of tight-fitting shorts to look good. Is he right?

It is a question that many amateur cyclists will have asked at some point: does my belly/legs/bum* (*delete as appropriate) look big in this?

But according to Sir Chris - the six-time Olympic gold winning cyclist - not enough people think before pulling on a pair of Lycra leggings.

"Lycra isn't the most elegant material you can wear and professional cycling gear generally looks awful on pretty much anyone heavier than 8st," he wrote in GQ magazine.

He said the desire of so-called "mamils" - the dreaded middle-aged man in Lycra - to be seen in the latest high-performance Team Sky cycling kit all too often results in a tummy-turning experience for onlookers.

"Personally, I feel sorry for mamils," he wrote. "When they walk into a cafe dressed head-to-toe in Lycra, you always spot people sniggering at them."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-41081756

I think this is a bit unfair of Sir Chris. Cycling should be about wearing what you want and riding whatever bike you like. I wear lycra because I think it's the best and most comfortable material for riding in but also feel good when I've got my proper gear on. Suits me sir. Yes, it may not be the most attractive look on everyone and any sort of clothing is not just about function but about how you look and feel in it but if people feel good in wearing it whatever their size then why not?

Think his comments are rather crass...I would have thought he would be pleased 'Joe Public' was cycling...getting more active...fitter...whether wearing Lycra or not...honestly what on earth was he thinking when he said that?

 

[Northerner]

Not cycling, but I wear lycra leggings for cold autumn/winter runs, chiefly because they are comfortable and warm. To be honest, I looked a lot dafter back in 1983 when I started running and wore a baggy track suit - back then I did actually weigh 8st! Don't agree with Sir Chris's comments - who cares? I've got a pair of extremely colourful running shoes too, he'd probably have an issue with those too! 🙄

 

[Matt Cycle]

Think his comments are rather crass...I would have thought he would be pleased 'Joe Public' was cycling...getting more active...fitter...whether wearing Lycra or not...honestly what on earth was he thinking when he said that?

I suspect he did it to stir up comment which has certainly been the case. Just had a search and as it's all over the papers he's now apologised and said it was meant to be tongue in cheek. Having now read the original GQ article parts of do appear to be slightly tongue in cheek but it's not obvious. Although there are some clearly ridiculous statements such as the 8 stone (49kg) comment as it doesn't mention height. Chris Froome currently the best road cyclist on the planet is 71kg but he's 6' 1 ! GQ is a style magazine so that's what it is focusing on and aside from his 'humourous' comments some of his tips are quite relevant. White shorts are a definite no-no especially if it's raining. 😱

 

[Lucy Honeychurch]

Thankfully I don't wear any Lycra personally I don't care what others wear or do. However, mamils are all over the place here in Norfolk, particularly at weekends, we're more concerned about road safety than what the cyclists look like in their Lycra. By the way, in your avatar you look fine in yours.

 

[Bubbsie]

I suspect he did it to stir up comment which has certainly been the case. Just had a search and as it's all over the papers he's now apologised and said it was meant to be tongue in cheek. Having now read the original GQ article parts of do appear to be slightly tongue in cheek but it's not obvious. Although there are some clearly ridiculous statements such as the 8 stone (49kg) comment as it doesn't mention height. Chris Froome currently the best road cyclist on the planet is 71kg but he's 6' 1 ! GQ is a style magazine so that's what it is focusing on and aside from his 'humourous' comments some of his tips are quite relevant. White shorts are a definite no-no especially if it's raining. 😱

Made me laugh Matt...but...only the white shorts part.

 

[Bloden]

If you're comfortable in Lycra, you should wear it. I think there's even a law here in Spain that says all cyclists HAVE to wear Lycra cos I've never seen a cyclist in anything but...we call them Lycra-lists.🙄😛

 

[Radders]

I find Lycra very comfortable and actually quite flattering. I've not been 8 stone since I was 15. Even if he was joking, he shouldn't have said it in my opinion.

 

[Amigo]

I once had a middle aged member of staff call into the office whilst out cycling decked out in very tight Lycra which left nothing to the imagination and was far too revealing in the crotch area. One of the older ladies winced and announced that it reminded her she needed meat & veg on the way home! I've no problem with it but please keep it decent!

 

[Matt Cycle]

Thankfully I don't wear any Lycra personally I don't care what others wear or do. However, mamils are all over the place here in Norfolk, particularly at weekends, we're more concerned about road safety than what the cyclists look like in their Lycra. By the way, in your avatar you look fine in yours.

You're definitely getting a like for that. That photo was taken last year after I'd just got back from Wales after a day out with the Diabetes Fairy.

http://diabetesfairy.blogspot.co.uk/2016/07/

I'm sure Northerner is still looking for unsuspecting victims, er I mean willing hosts.

 

[Matt Cycle]

The lycra does the job. Anything over 20 miles and you will be glad you put on padded bib shorts.
I don't think cycling shapes the body for beauty, the legs are too thick and upper body too thin; swimming or football give a really nice shape.
When I used to go out on Sunday club rides there were some young kids, which was nice to see, but mostly older guys, yes there were middle aged men in their lycra doing their miles, also older guys even into their 70's. There is no shame in wearing comfortable lycra.

It's still definitely white male dominated. I'm not in a cycling club but I have noticed on the roads over recent times how many more women are now cycling. Possibly something to do with the success of the GB women's team in the Olympics.

 

[Matt Cycle]

Made me laugh Matt...but...only the white shorts part.

I've never had any but apparently white shorts can be a bit revealing when they get wet although the padded bit covers most of your modesty. I was on a cycling forum and the subject of white shorts came up. A lady on there who commuted to work had gone out one day in her white bibshorts in the rain. She said when she arrived at work she realised she'd crossed central London displaying her arse crack to all those behind her. She said black shorts from now on.

 

[HOBIE]

Olympic legend Sir Chris Hoy says Lycra can look "awful" on anyone weighing more than 8st (49kg) and that amateur cyclists don't have to pull on a pair of tight-fitting shorts to look good. Is he right?

It is a question that many amateur cyclists will have asked at some point: does my belly/legs/bum* (*delete as appropriate) look big in this?

But according to Sir Chris - the six-time Olympic gold winning cyclist - not enough people think before pulling on a pair of Lycra leggings.

"Lycra isn't the most elegant material you can wear and professional cycling gear generally looks awful on pretty much anyone heavier than 8st," he wrote in GQ magazine.

He said the desire of so-called "mamils" - the dreaded middle-aged man in Lycra - to be seen in the latest high-performance Team Sky cycling kit all too often results in a tummy-turning experience for onlookers.

"Personally, I feel sorry for mamils," he wrote. "When they walk into a cafe dressed head-to-toe in Lycra, you always spot people sniggering at them."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-41081756

I think this is a bit unfair of Sir Chris. Cycling should be about wearing what you want and riding whatever bike you like. I wear lycra because I think it's the best and most comfortable material for riding in but also feel good when I've got my proper gear on. Suits me sir. Yes, it may not be the most attractive look on everyone and any sort of clothing is not just about function but about how you look and feel in it but if people feel good in wearing it whatever their size then why not?

NO ! Matt

 

[Bubbsie]

Thankfully I don't wear any Lycra personally I don't care what others wear or do. However, mamils are all over the place here in Norfolk, particularly at weekends, we're more concerned about road safety than what the cyclists look like in their Lycra. By the way, in your avatar you look fine in yours.

I've never had any but apparently white shorts can be a bit revealing when they get wet although the padded bit covers most of your modesty. I was on a cycling forum and the subject of white shorts came up. A lady on there who commuted to work had gone out one day in her white bibshorts in the rain. She said when she arrived at work she realised she'd crossed central London displaying her arse crack to all those behind her. She said black shorts from now on.

Ooh...difficult one...my first instinct was to sympathise with her...ashamed to admit I laughed instead...then laughed again...how embarrassing...and when these 'things' do happen...no one tells you!

 

[Bubbsie]

It's still definitely white male dominated. I'm not in a cycling club but I have noticed on the roads over recent times how many more women are now cycling. Possibly something to do with the success of the GB women's team in the Olympics.

Thinking about it...until then...still cycling in the dining room😱...haven't worked up the courage yet.

 

[Lisa66]

Reminds me of driving on a winding local road recently behind an older slightly larger gentlemen in his sweaty, pale grey stretched shorts, it was quite a while before we had a chance to pass...my daughter was in the passenger seat and very keen for me to overtake him...she didn't know where to look, expression on her face was priceless! 🙂

 

[Matt Cycle]

Thinking about it...until then...still cycling in the dining room😱...haven't worked up the courage yet.

If you do decide then British Cycling (used to be with Sky but it looks like HSBC now sponsor it) have lots of group rides for all ages and abilities including women only breeze rides.

https://www.letsride.co.uk/
https://www.letsride.co.uk/breeze

 

[Bloden]

I once had a middle aged member of staff call into the office whilst out cycling decked out in very tight Lycra which left nothing to the imagination and was far too revealing in the crotch area. One of the older ladies winced and announced that it reminded her she needed meat & veg on the way home! I've no problem with it but please keep it decent!

That's what I call a 'front bottom'.

 

[Chris Hobson]

Although I think that it's true that, if you are carrying too much weight, you are not going to look good in Lycra However, it is practical and comfortable and what people wear is really nobody's business but their own. I think that he set the bar a bit low at 49kg, nowadays my weight varies between 70 and 76kg and I don't have any issues with unsightly bulges at all. As for people sniggering, if the mamils in question were anything like me they just wouldn't care, so his sympathy would be wasted.

I also wish that he hadn't apologised. I dislike the current trend of people being hysterically outraged every time says something that they disagree with. He should have said that there is no need to get all outraged, if you disagree feel free to say that you disagree and why you disagree and have a grown up discussion about it.