First 20 miler for me, quite chuffed! but aching hands

[seashaker]

In the grand scheme of things its not great but I'm chuffed I finally got out on the bike and really enjoyed it. Definately going to use the cycling to help with fitness and weightloss and want to get to a level where I can go touring without killing myself each day hehe. got family near Limoges in France so want to tour over there next year, something to look forward to and aim to!

Only thing I have found and have always had it (even on 5-10 milers) is my palms around my thumbs really ache, they always do even on shorter rides. I got padded gloves and handlebar extensions so can change my hand position but does anyone have any tips or will it subside the more I cycle or will I be lumped with it for life??

Really liking the forum, have got a few good tips so far!!

 

[Gary E]

I suffered with the same problem when I started a couple of years ago.

I raised the handlebars slightly so that I wasn't putting so much weight on my hands and made a conscious effort to change my hand position regularly (before it became uncomfortable). I also realised I was hanging on way too tightly!

I have padded gloves also but I splashed out on some Ergon GP1 grips which are incredibly comfortable (the price put me off at first but it's money well spent IMHO).

Not sure how much all of the above helped but I don't suffer at all now. I think that time on the bike helps too.

Good luck.

 

[seashaker]

Gary, thanks for the reply, I have seen those grips before and will look to get them or something similar, my current grips are none to comfy so sure that will help. I definately hold on too tight, will have to make a conscious effort to relax a bit more!!

 

[Gary E]

I spent the first few months hanging on for grim death too

 

[seashaker]

yeah thats about it!! haha

 

[Fab Foodie]

Some usefull infor here, maybe move saddle rearwards a tad:

http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.htm

 

[Gravity Aided]

Some usefull infor here, maybe move saddle rearwards a tad:

http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.htm

Found that true for me as well , and new grips also helped me .

 

[biggs682]

a lot of bikes i ride the bars are left untaped , for no reason just can never make my mind up what colour tape to use

 

[seashaker]

cheers people, will look to get some more grips asdefinately mine are not that comfortable, have looked at the seat and its already pretty far back, from sitting on the bike it feels pretty comfortable so not going to tinker with too much all in one go!

 

[Gravity Aided]

Angle of the seat may make some difference if problems persist . I raised the nose on a bike saddle once and alleviated the problem .

 

[Banjo]

Well done on the 20 miler, first big milestone.

If your saddle is nose down it will throw your weight forward onto your arms and hands. If the saddle is allready level you probably just need to do more cycling to build up your torso muscles so they hold you up instead of your hands and arms.

Be wary of having the saddle nose up as it may put pressure on your bits. If you suffer from any numbness in the genital area then stop cycling and either adjust the angle or invest in a better saddle. Long term numbness can cause medical problems.

I had that problem and changed to a Richey Bio Saddle which has a slot down the middle so you cant put pressure on the nerves that run through that area.

 

[seashaker]

Saddle is pretty much level. Already have a 'comfort' one in the hflex bodyfit and so far have not had any numbness, a bit sore but put that down to lack of hours in the saddle. Will have a look at more specialised ones if I dont see any vast improvement. Im hoping the hands will ease up as well with more time on the road and me getting fitter etc. thanks for suggestion though!

 

[Pigo]

I was getting a similar hand pain to you for quite a while. I found I didn't get it when the weather turned really cold - the reason, I have worked out now its warmed up is actually the gloves! I was fine in the winter ones but as soon as I put the fingerless ones back on I got it back! New gloves on order!!
It may not be the cause of yours but its worth considering.
Well done on your latest achievement!

 

[seashaker]

Cheers again for all the replies and advice, wasn't really expecting anyhting haha is nice to get a friendly and informative forum. Looking through and reading has really made me want to get out and about on the bike! Next milestone will be from swindon to Thornbury where me sister lives, even drove the route yesterday to check it out. Bloody terrified me!! Malmsbury is silly hilly It will take a few months to get the old fitness levels up to that point though methinks!! Im sure over the coming weeks you lot will hear a few more gripes from me

 

[colly]

Long term numbness can cause medical missus problems.
.

FTFY