sore thumbs and wrists

[dobedobedo]

It is comforting to know that this is a common problem. One thing I should have mentioned: I just had my bike fitting last week and the bars were dropped down quite a bit. Combined with being new to the open road, and the new position on the bike, and new to shifting, my poor little thumbs are maxed out. I will try to vary my hand position and that will help -- I'm still one of those newbies who is always ready to brake. I did get the little extension thingy put in the brake levers to make them easier to reach, but my hands are super tiny. I guess I'll just have to get used to it by riding, riding, riding.

[batsheva]

yeah - i got the biggest size shims in the short reach brake/shifters already - i just need to toughen up, huh?? :-)

[KnottedYet]

One thing I should have mentioned: I just had my bike fitting last week and the bars were dropped down quite a bit.

Maybe the bars are a bit too low, so you are holding too much body weight on your hands?

My drop bars are even with or slightly higher than my saddles. Everyone has their own magic bar height, so don't be afraid to change the way your shop set you up if it's uncomfortable.

[galaxygirl]

Hey! I'm back to riding after about an 8 year break, and on my old bike, my hands used to bug me all the time. My wrists used to hurt and my thumbs went numb! But I haven't had that problem at all on my new bike. I think there are a couple of reasons. One, when I had the bike fit, I got a new "stem" for the handlebars that put them at a better angle...closer to my body to balance out my weight on the bike. Two, I bought "gel" biking gloves. They are amazingly good to my hands.

I used to have a sore butt too, but the new bike has a great seat.

I love my new bike... Good luck on yours!

[SouthernBelle]

What size bars are you riding? If your bars are too wide this could be the problem.