How could I make the handlebars more comfy on my bike? Is it possible?

Question

I have a new Trek performance hybrid and hate it. I'm trying to break down the issues and solve them one by one. The problem I'm battling right now is the handlebars. The positioning forces my wrists outward and my small hands in. I can't hold any hand position for more than a minute, because it's so uncomfortable. By time I've gone ten miles, I can't stand it any longer and my wrists and hands are in such pain. It's a weird problem, I know. My sister has a Diamondback and I love the handle grips. Is there any way I could get Diamondback handle grips for my bike? (oh yeah and I have tried gloves with padding as well). I don't know...debating returning the bike because of all the problems I'm starting to face in doing distances. What do you think?

Answer 1

padded gloves maybe

Answer 2

Not to offend you, but you not test ride this bike before purchase?  I would think the [dis]comfort issue would have shown it's ugly self during a reasonable test ride.  Anyhow, here are my thoughts...

Hand pain/numbness shouldn't be a problem but often is.  Most of these complaints seem to come from users of flat bars.

You don't mention what you've ridden in the past that was more comfortable...or what Trek bike you purchased (FX maybe?).

Assuming the frame is correct for you, I think the first area you need to consider is the seat position.  If the seat isn't at the correct distance from the bar, or if the seat is angled forward too much, you will be putting an unnecessary amount of your weight on the bar...which means your hands/wrists will support that weight and cause you pain.

If you think the seat position is correct, you may just need an alternative hand position.  For aftermarket grips, I really like (and continue to recommend) those by Ergon.  My choice, the GC2, offers a shorter, integrated bar-end in a very comfortable design (no sharp or rough edges).  The grips are the "locking type" that install and adjust quickly.  You can fine tune the angles of the grip and the bar-end seperately until you get the position just right for your hand.  It's available in two sizes in many shops.  In short, it feels and functions like an intelligently engineered product.

One more thing to add.  If you've been comfortable on drop bars in the past, the distance between your hands might feel awkward on the flat bar.  While technical mtn biking might require very wide bars, I think some of the flat bars for road bikes are unnecessarily wide.  If at a later point you find this to be true, you can always shorten the (alloy) bar with a plumber's tubing cutter or a hacksaw.  Even taking just 15-20mm off each end can make a difference.

Good luck to you!

Answer 3

Have you considered adding on some bar-ends?

I ride a Trek 7100fx, and would hate to not have them on. My bar-ends are covered in a comfy foam (which is quite inexpensive) and do make a big difference in riding comfort.

The one's which curve inwards might be of some help to you - maybe consider trekking bars which would give quite a few different hand positions.

But before that, have a chat with your LBS. I'm sure that they can suggest a way to get around the problem & hopefully make your new Trek a joy to ride.