Hand Numbing?

[Boomhauer]

Fellow Gaser Riders,

Yesterday GasGas Man and myself went for a ride. I have really noticed my hands going to sleep 5 minutes into riding. I am 6'3 and am running the Pro Taper CR High bars.

This problem is really starting to piss me off. I do have my levers rolled down on the bars a bit farther than most riders.

I don't know what to really do about my problem. So what are some of you taller guys using. I ride 50% standing and 50% sitting.

I did make sure my gloves were not cinched to tight.

Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bergerhag]

I have the same problem. Try to loosen your grip on the bars by having a more balanced stance over the pegs, and not hanging onto nor pressing down on the bars. Push in your knees against the bike a little. If you find it difficult to generally loosen your grip, take your hands off the bars occasionally and give them a little shake. A few secs is usually enough for me.

The numbness is caused by vibrations. Take whatever actions you can to reduce handlebar vibrations.

[eff]

I have the same problems too. It happens on rougher, longer sections that I tend to grip the bars too tight. I try to do as bergerhag recommends above.

[GMP]

It addition to the advice given, consider your choice in bar bend. Look at your grips, are they worn more at the edges? If so this could be a pressure point. Both Cruiser and I went to KTM SX bend bars (very litttle sweep) awhile ago and it really helps. Also, I take naproxin before a big ride/race and at the gas stop. This seems to help me a great deal. I only get numb/pumped up near the end of a very tough run.

[jeffd]

I used to run CR-High and then "Woods High" - Les talked me into switching to the pro taper doug henry bend which feels very natural to me. I also use the spider gel grips which have a very nice feel to them.

Just another point to consider - circulation to your hands. Are the gloves tight at your wrists? Jersey cuffs tight? I have had some friends cut off the elastic cuffs on jerseys to prevent arm pump etc.

jeff

[d2w]

I don't have any first hand knowledge of this trick on a GG, but for road biking, a quick "fix" for bar vibration is to *partially* fill the bar with shotgun shot (bbs, ball-bearing, etc.). The idea is that the vibrational energy gets absorbed by the balls, and not your hands. And it's a cheap fix to try.

Dale

[Dave]

How about a doom and gloom possibility. A long time friend and riding buddy started having the same problem. It turned out he had displaced bones in his hands and surgery was required to fuse some bones together. He hopes to be riding again this spring and we'll see if the repairs helped or not.

[cladoo]

I've been having these problems also for a couple of years now, last year being the worst. I am going to a Chiropractor who used ART and I think they will be better, I hope so anyway!
Claude

[flybars]

I was a carpenter for many years and developed carpal tunnel in both hands. Last August I had shoulder surgery and my doctor and I decided to go ahead and do the carpal release at the same time. I've had three rides now on very rocky, bumpy stuff and my right hand is absolutely free of the numbing/ achiness I still get in my left hand.

[Bultaco206]

Two things...

1) Too much pullback can play havoc with your hands/wrists.
2) Try a larger diameter grip - like a basic Oury waffle. (Gel grips can actually make you squeeze harder.)
3) Ibuprofen 20 minutes before your ride works wonders.
4) Try a looser fitting glove like a Mechanix Wear glove.

OK, that's 4 things.