Hold Onto Those Handlebars! 6 Reasons To Start Dating A Cyclist

Ladies, if you have a penchant for fast rides, look no further. Why spend time scouring bars and cafés when you can live life on the edge with a cyclist? Some may say that falling in love is like riding a bike: You start off slow, and then take off all at once. You're going to have to put on your trainer shoes if you want to keep up with these pro riders.

If you're on the fence about whether you should give these toned athletes a chance, you're going to want to check out these reasons to start dating a cyclist.

1. They're brilliant

Their bodies aren't the only things they like to train. According to a study by Mindlab, cyclists are 13 percent smarter than the average person and 10 percent more likely to be charitable. If having a partner whose brain you can pick about anything doesn't get your heart racing, then maybe the fact that he is also caring and selfless when it comes to a cause he believes in will.

2. They're monstrously fit

Rick Scott of America's Greatest Race stated that "[p]ro cyclists spend an average of two to six hours per day training" and put "between 20,000-25,000 training and racing miles into their legs per annum". These factors translate to a healthy appetite and body that's been sculpted and toned due to rigorous training. All of that riding around does wonders for their calves, not to mention their iron grip (and may, ahem, benefit you in the long run).

3. They're extremely attractive

Evolutionary biologist Eric Postma conducted a study on whether a strong link existed between people's perception of a cyclist's attractiveness and his success rate. According to an interview with LiveScience, Postma found that cyclists who excelled in the Tour de France were generally seen as being more attractive than the other athletes. He went on to state that "the top 10 percent [of riders] is about 25 percent more attractive than the lowest 10 percent." Ladies, that means that not only is your guy a major hottie, he's also at the top of his game.

4. They're determined

Riding a bike in windy conditions is nothing to scoff at. One of the greatest traits of cyclists is that they are incredibly strongwilled, choosing to ride regardless of bumpy surfaces and less than ideal situations. This can directly correlate to their love lives. Who wouldn't want a guy who is willing to make things work despite the many obstacles, trials and tribulation that threaten to tear a relationship apart? If he is not afraid to make an effort, then he's worth keeping.

5. Their package is...

Let's just say that the form fitting lycra leaves nothing to the imagination. The best part is that you'll know exactly what you're getting into. Coupled with the fact that their energy/endurance is sky-high, all you'll have to look forward to is an amazing (and long lasting) sex life.

6. They enjoy traveling

Augustine of Hippo said it best with this line: "The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page." If you often find yourself consumed by a sense of wanderlust, why not date someone who is a total expert at traveling? Because they spend so much time wandering around, having a sharp eye for great vacation spots is in their nature. If you're an avid traveler, a cyclist is the perfect love match for you.

Have anything to add to the list? Tell us in the comments below.