New Bike and Wrists

[Thorn]

I second the checking your wrist angle. I had new handlebars installed this year (narrower bars to match my shoulders). After I got the bike back, I was having problems with the wrists and numbness in the hands. When they put the new bars on, they attached the brakes at such an angle that my wrists dipped down. I tried it, but after about 7 miles, my wrists and hands starting having problems.

I tried just flattening out the bars. That helped, but the hoods were still too angled for me. So I had the shop move the brakes. Now, when I look at my hands when I grip the handlebar my wrists are straight. No more pain.

Give it a look. When you're riding your bike, do you have an odd angle to your wrists? If so, have them change it so you don't.

[singletrackmind]

Also check your seat position. If it's pointed downwards towards the front too much it could cause you to lean into your handlebars, thus sore wrists.

[GLC1968]

Also check your seat position. If it's pointed downwards towards the front too much it could cause you to lean into your handlebars, thus sore wrists.

I was going to suggest that you check this as well. I was having some 'girly-bits' soreness, so I slightly tipped my seat foward (very, very slight) and all of a sudden, my hands were going numb. Putting my seat back eliminated the hand trouble immediately.

[Zen]

I've been working on my core strength, but I'm middle-aged, and nothing's going to change much.

Throw that way of thinking out with the garbage. I don't know your age but it doesn't matter because you can still build muscle strength regardless of age.

[mimitabby]

Hi, I'm 55 years old and in January I started working on my core and weight lifting to get my upper body in better shape to match my biker legs.
I went from bench pressing 5 pounds in each hand to 20 pounds.
I went from curling 2 pound weights to 15 pounds. After being on the planet
for 55 years I can now finally do PUSHUPS. If you are middle-aged, (whatever that is) you still have a great capacity for improvement physically!!!

so why isn't anything going to change much?

[teigyr]

You should build muscle strength as you age.

I'd say to look at bike fit first then go from there. It's important not to put too much weight on your wrists, practice on an indoor bike if it feels awkward.

I am sure you can build core strength. You might not have the "20 something perfect body" thing going on but you can still be pretty darned strong. And lest I offend anyone, I have seen some incredibly fit 50-60 year olds too that put the young'uns to shame.

[SouthernBelle]

I'm glad I'm not the only one that comment bugged.

[li10up]

I too think it's a wrist angle thing. When I first got my new bike my wrists would really hurt. I had them rotate the bar (hoods) away from me and when riding on the hoods no more pain.