The Rise of the MAMIL

Irish Economist David McWilliams has an interesting article today about the rise of the MAMIL, the middle aged male in lycra. According to McWilliams cycling is the new golf. In the boom years golf was the favored sport of Irish middle aged men, but with the decline in the economy they are now turning to sports cycling in increasing numbers.

The article says that “cycling is the biggest sporting goods market in the world in terms of revenue, according to a survey by multinational market research company NPD Group”. With "Global sales totalled nearly €33 billion last year", increasing by 4% a year since 2009.

In 2012 global sales were 33 billion euros, with around 137 million bikes being sold last year. By 2016 bike sales in Ireland and Britain are projected to rise to €1 billion per year. The total cycling market in Ireland and Britain is currently valued at €2.2 billion, including accessories, clothing, etc.

The new golden age of the bike is dawning

Read David McWilliams Article