What are some ways to keep my hands from becoming numb?

Question

About 5 to 7 miles into my roadbike rides my hands start getting numb any advise?

Answer 1

You are probably gripping the handles tightly and bracing your arms - this can tend to constrict blood flow into the fingers.  

Try removing one hand at a time and swinging it, then switching and doing the same thing with the other hand.  You should do this once or twice an hour.  I hope this is a pleasure ride and not a competition :-)

Answer 2

Unless you have a circulation or nerve problem (unlikely but if you suspect one see a doctor) that is way too fast to be going numb.  That said, numbness is not uncommon on long rides or ones where rough road causes vibration.

Several suggestions:

- try to relax .. you are likely gripping too hard.

- put your weight on the seat. Your hands should only be there for balance and to control the bike (gears/steering).

- wear padded bicycling gloves. I find ones with padding between the thumb and forefinger work best for me.

- Find your optimum hand position. I find I numb up faster on my mountain bike than on my road bike .. probably because the angle one holds the bars (flat on the mtb vs fore-aft on the brake hoods for road cycling) is quite different. If you are mainly a mountain bike rider you may have the opposite problem.

- change hand position often (road bikes have at least 4 good hand positions).  

- If you still have a problem consider trying aero bars to give yet another position ... and one that takes the weight off the hands.

Answer 3

Get a new pair of gloves.  Consider getting a carbon fork and or handlebars.  Get your handlebars re-taped.  Have someone look at your posture on the bike and maybe something can be done to lower the amount of pressure you are applying to the handlebars - additionally you might have them adjusted as well.

Answer 4

Are your handlebars the right width for you?  And have you adjusted them to a comfortable position?

It's happened to me.  Just a thought.

Answer 5

Most likely, you're supporting too much of your body weight on your hands.  Even if you were riding without gloves, your hands shouldn't be experiencing numbness on short rides.

Check the positioning of your seat and bars, or have someone help you if needed.

Start with the saddle.  Is the nose of the saddle angled down?  That will effectively push your body forward and force you to use your hands/arms to push back against it.  Level the saddle if needed.  Make certain the saddle isn't positioned back too far as well.

Are your bars too low for you?  If you think they might be lower than necessary, raising them can help get your weight off them.  Or are they angled down?  Which hand position do you typically favor?  If you normally ride on the hoods, check that the levers are correctly located on the bars.

As others have stated, don't do the death grip on your bar.  It's unnecessary.  Also, make sure your abs are doing their share in maintaining your correct posture on the bike.

Answer 6

Wear some padded cycling gloves, adjust your handlebars and seat, and if all else fails, go to your local bicycle shop to get fitted for a bike and then buy it.

Answer 7

1. you're probably tensed up

2. road vibration is transferring from your bike to you.

get padded cycling gloves, and relax a little.