| A bicycle pump is a type of positive displacement | | | | with no undergarments, snugly fitting the body to |
| pump specifically designed for inflating bicycle tires. It | | | | minimise friction and moisture, in fact doubling as |
| has one or both of the two types of valve in use on | | | | underwear. Shorts made from more panels --or cuts |
| bicycles, Schrader or Presta. A third type of valve | | | | of fabric-- fit better, but cost more. |
| called the Woods valve exists, but can be pumped | | | | The chamois is a patch of highly absorbent fabric that |
| using a Presta pump. Basic types available include: | | | | usually surrounds the area where the pelvis rests on |
| | | | the seat. Its main purpose is to pad the cyclist's bottom, |
| floor models or track pumps | | | | which is especially important when using hard race |
| frame mounted | | | | saddles. The chamois also absorbs moisture produced |
| compact or mini | | | | by the body, helping to prevent chafing and rashes |
| double action | | | | that can result from the repetitive motion of the legs. |
| In its most basic form, a bicycle pump functions via a | | | | They are produced in a variety of shapes and styles |
| hand-operated piston. During the up-stroke, this piston | | | | to suit the needs of different riders. For example, the |
| draws air through a one-way valve into the pump | | | | pattens used for the chamois on women's cycling |
| from the outside. During the down-stroke, the piston | | | | shorts tend to be quite different from those used for |
| then displaces the air from the pump into the bicycle | | | | men's. |
| tire. Higher-end models have a built in pressure gauge | | | | Spandex is the most commonly used fabric in bicycle |
| to indicate when the tire is optimally filled. | | | | shorts for a variety of reasons. The elastic nature of it |
| Caution must be used when using a gas station air | | | | allows the shorts to cling tightly to the leg, offering |
| pump. Some are designed to cut off before the high | | | | support for the quadriceps. This also reduces wind |
| pressures used in many bicycle tires are reached. | | | | resistance, allowing greater speed, and prevents |
| Some others may pump enough air into the small | | | | foreign objects from getting entangled in the clothing. |
| volume of a bicycle tire in a short time to blow out the | | | | The thin, breathable nature of the material also allows |
| tire. There is also a slight difference between the | | | | sweat to evaporate more easily, cooling the body. |
| modern standard for Schrader valves on an | | | | [edit] Bibshorts |
| automobile and that on a bicycle which makes some | | | | Bibshorts are cycling shorts which are held up by a bib |
| more recent valves on gas station pumps a poor fit. | | | | (like an overall), not a tight waistband which could |
| Cycling shorts, also known as biker - or bicycling | | | | impede breathing. The bib part of the short is often |
| shorts, are short, skin-tight legwear designed to | | | | made of spandex with large sections of netting to help |
| improve comfort and efficiency while cycling. | | | | cool down the rider. |
| Historically, cycling shorts were made with black wool | | | | The idea of bib shorts likely came from the braces |
| and a leather chamois. Most modern cycling shorts are | | | | (UK) or suspenders (US) that cyclists used to use to |
| made with Spandex (Lycra) and contain a synthetic | | | | hold up old fashioned woolen shorts which, after |
| chamois in the seat and crotch area for optimal | | | | absorbing lots of sweat would have a tendency to fall |
| comfort. The hem of each leg is usually lined with a | | | | down. Bibs are often better for tall or heavy-set riders, |
| ring of material that clings to the skin, keeping it in a | | | | as standard shorts tend to roll down in the back while |
| fixed position. They are designed to be worn alone | | | | riding; this can be embarassing. |