Numbness in my right hand

[pll]

The bar ends are nice, I must say. When I had a mountain bike, I put some Ergon grips with the bar ends and was skeptical. They are very comfortable, it gives a nice alternative to grab the handlebar.

Gloves help, but so does having a strong core, so you are not putting the weight on your arms. Have the bike shop check the width of your bars. They tend to be too wide for many women (relative to your shoulders) and that causes aches and pains.

[Dr.Doo]

Thanks for starting this thread jordanjustgo. I too did 25miles yesterday (wooohoooo for us!! ) and as well as a numb bum ended up a sore right hand and arm. I did try and focus on 'form' and keeping my arms relaxed and slightly bent but still the soreness happened, maybe it's a 'noob' thang. I have straight riser bars and ergonomic grips but will look into bar ends and new gloves.

[Catrin]

Frankly I wasn't sure the bad ends would work for my mountain bike. I have found on my (so far) one trail ride that the size and curve of these particular grips with integrated bar ends took away much of my fear when I got close to trees as I went around roots. I really wish they would work with my x0 grips on my Gunnar though. The bar ends are helpful, especially if you have any had problems. Core strength is good as well, but with arthritis they are heaven-sent.

[pll]

@Catrin: Ergon makes grips for "twist shifter". Models are GC2 and GR2.

[Sky King]

Have you thought about changing your handlebars to a swept back more ergonomic bar, perhaps a albatross - the nitto or the soma oxford, would not require changing your shifters or brakes.

[marjoriealice]

Try stretching your arms and chest before and after you ride as well. Stand in a doorway with your hands up above your head on the door frame and lean forward a bit. I think being hunched forward on a bike, at a computer, or anything can cause some impingement in the shoulder area as well.

[jordanjustgo]

Try stretching your arms and chest before and after you ride as well. Stand in a doorway with your hands up above your head on the door frame and lean forward a bit. I think being hunched forward on a bike, at a computer, or anything can cause some impingement in the shoulder area as well.

i will definitely do this before my next ride! thank you!!

[Catrin]

@Catrin: Ergon makes grips for "twist shifter". Models are GC2 and GR2.

Yes they do, but the bar ends are MUCH too short for my taste and I've small hands! So I have their regular grips with Titec L-bend bar ends and bar tape on my Gunnar and LHT. I would prefer their GC3, but that's life. I did think about cutting off part of the GC3 grips to make them work with my grip shifters, but I've been told there is no way to avoid them looking bad. I don't want to ruin Plum Blossom's svelte looks with ugly grips

[channlluv]

I often get numb hands just a few miles into a ride, too. It gets so bad that it's hard to work my brakes, nevermind shifting. I try shifting my position frequently, steering with one hand while the other rests for a bit. Twenty miles in I can hardly feel either one. It was the same on my mtb's straight bars, although the extensions helped a bit. I think my problem is my form and not having a strong core.

I wonder if those albatross-style handlebars might be a better choice for me. I've often wished for chopper handlebars - no weight on the hands that way.

Roxy

[jordanjustgo]

Thanks for starting this thread jordanjustgo. I too did 25miles yesterday (wooohoooo for us!! )

CONGRATS! on your 25miles very exciting indeed... I'm still recovering from mine haha. only managed a 5.5mile yesterday and a 14mile today... getting thereee.

Thank you for all the advice. i will certainly go in search of a pair of gloves for future rides... and i do want to switch out my bars. I'm just trying to pace myself with bike purchases. I want to switch out my platform pedals to clipless... and i really cant afford to do pedals, shoes, bars, shifters etc etc... all at once. I'm still just a poor working girl and all :P