Pins and needles/ numbness in hands

[craigwend]

tend to get it more 'first thing in a morning' - if I do,

as above , position , padding , etc

bit of stretching & exercise before ride to warm up muscles & tendons?

 

[Globalti]

Specialized bikes with the cables hidden under the bar tape have a clever little plastic "corner" thingy called a bar shaper that clips onto the rearward cable and effectively broadens the bars. Combined with the Specialized gel pads and some nice spongy tape, you get a very comfortable, flat platform for your hands.

 

[rickh01]

I have new narrower handlebars and a shorter stem. He also made the handlebars a little higher. He seems to think this should solve the problem. He certainly sounded like he knew what he was talking about.

I've reduced my stem from 110mm to 90mm already

 

[Effyb4]

It seems to have worked so far. I went out yesterday for a 23 mile ride and felt much more comfortable. No tingling or numbness in my hands. I hope it doesn't come back on longer rides. I shall have to wait and see.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

Maybe your stem is now too short?

 

[MontyVeda]

I've started experiencing this in recent months. I've not made and adjustments to my bike set-up in the last 15-18 months, but in the last few weeks even on short rides I'm getting a numb hand (left usually). Maybe I'm just getting old... or headed for stroke!

 

[vickster]

Trapped nerve somewhere? Nothing to do with cycling, a coincidence?

 

[rickh01]

I have the same problem, but it was worse before I moved the saddle back a touch, raised the steering a bit and fitted a shorter stem.
Check out the various articles and videos about "Bike Fitting" if you haven't already.

You may just have a jangly ride though- especially if the bike is all aluminium.

Finally, make sure that your gloves and bar tape aren't part of the problem, and that you're not just gripping too hard.
Good luck!

I think you've hit the nail on the head for me, after reading your reply I have for my last 3 25 mile rides I've not gripped the bars anywhere near as hard and the pins and needles seem to have stopped, thanks for your input. I'm going to do my first 40 or 50 miler on Sunday so I'll see by then . (Hopefully) thanks again

 

[rickh01]

I had this when I first switched to a Road bike with drop bars. For me it was a case of me being to tense & gripping the handlebars to tight, or not moving my hands enough. I used to have terrible habits, clenching my jaw was a weird one, never even knew I was doing it.

Still get pins & needles in my toes, but currently trying out height & angle of my seat to fix it.

Yeah, thanks it does seem to be that I was gripping the bar too tightly, I've not had a problem since relaxing a little

 

[rickh01]

How old are you? Have you had any neck or shoulder injuries? What sort of handlebars do you have (flats, drops)?

Taking the medical stuff as being OK, then it is most likely to be a positional issue (get yourself a bike fit, or talk to someone knowledgeable) and get your bike adjusted properly. It can also be through pressure on the hands, and that is why cyclists wear padded gloves, and some have padded tape.

You're not alone. I'll bet there isn't a cyclist here who hasn't experienced it at one time or another. I suffer badly, as a result of old neck and shoulder injuries, and every 5 miles or so I have to sit up and shake my hands vigorously to get rid of the pins and needles.

Mike

Hi mike, a couple of others on here quoted that I could be holding the bar too tight, and over my last few rides have tried to relax a little, being new to a road bike I didn't know. But since relaxing the pins and needles seemed to have stopped and I also seem to ride a little quicker! Thanks again mate while I'm new to all this it all helps. And your input on my other question about saddles seems invaluable to because you mentioned the charge spoon saddle and online has brilliant reviews. So I'm going to have a look at one at weekend.. Thanks again mate