Handlebar Thickness

[Kiwi Stoker]

On the tandem I *have* to have a thin cowhorn to fit the adjustable stoker stem. Yes a thin bar is a problem- it presses on one thin part of your hand instead of "spreading" the load.

Currently I have the Kores plus old fashioned foam grips. The Kores are great at spreading the pressure out but however they require a very thin bar- even the tandem bar is too wide and the screws holding them togther are far apart.

Yes, fat handlebar tape is a cheap option but the best is to invest in a flattened top handlebar in the long run.

[Cataboo]

The squishy you can change using bar gel or different handlebar gel.

I have handlebars that have more of a flat wing shape on either size of the stem - I love them for my hands because I had lots of issues not making my hands go numb. Google fsa wing handlebars and you'll pop up a few options - aluminum or carbon.

Putting more pressure on your hands will of course cause them to go numb - make sure your wrist position is neutral when on the handlebars (you can move where the shifters are on the handlebar to ensure that). If I have any gel or padding in my gloves, my hands are more likely to go numb. move your hands around a lot while you ride.