sore abuctor pollicis brevis (thumb) muscles

[Raging Squirrel]

I went out on a road bike for the first time today, and suffered from really painful thumb muscles as mentioned in the title. Does anyone else get this and is there a remedy/reason?

 

[vickster]

Not used to it? Holding the hoods incorrectly? Too stretched on the brakes? Hoods too big for hands? Bike too big? I am sure there are plenty of other possible reasons...I reckon #1 is a prime suspect if your first time. What bike was it? How long were you riding for?

 

[Raging Squirrel]

Triban 3, kept my grip fairly loose on the hoods. Maybe im just not used to it? Suppose its like getting used to a saddle (which ive already changed!)

 

[vickster]

Yep, I remember my first testride on a roadbike, about 15 minutes and my arms ached for days! Is it the Triban that has the adjuster shims. Maybe the reach to the thumb button isn't for you?

 

[Shut Up Legs]

I sometimes get a sore middle finger, but I hold my local motorists to blame for that.

As for your ailment, practice may be all you need, plus it's worth getting the bike fit checked by a bike shop or just a friend who's done more cycling . After much cycling with a particular bike configuration, you'll build calluses on your hands on the main pressure points, which helps.

 

[xpc316e]

The only surefire cure for sore thumbs, hands, wrists, necks, backsides, and bad backs is a recumbent. That aside, I'd echo what others have said. On top of that I would also advise you to wear a pair of good, padded, cycling specific gloves at all times on the bike. The main problems will be your contact areas with the bike itself, and they are not places to try and save too much money on.

 

[sheffgirl]

I have double jointed thumbs, the other day I bent the left one backwards quite hard trying to change gear and it's still a little bit sore.

 

[Raging Squirrel]

OUCH!!!!!! That sounds painful!

Suppose it doesnt help that I'm a labourer by day knocking walls down with lump hammers!

Using the thumb shifters didnt seem to trouble me, can see why people dont lije them though