I’ve noticed, uncomfortably so, that my hands and lower forearms go numb during crits and very fast group rides when I am in the drops for extended periods of time. I think the bar pushed into the bottom of my hand, which perhaps is some kind of pressure point. Last night it was just one more agonizing experience coupled with the punishment of a very fast group ride where it seemed everyone decided to attack. Has anyone else experienced this, and if so, any solutions? Carbon drop bars? Different bar tape? Gel gloves?
Specialized bar phat. Very comfortable
It could be as simple as not clinching your hand so tightly on the bar. When you are under pressure riding (ie: fast crit where you are inches away from wrecking every turn) it is not uncommon to white knuckle grip the bar. Try to loosen up a little (easier said than done).
I have had this problem before, and what worked for me was every once in a while remembering to extend the fingers of one hand and then the other. This flexing helps get the blood flowing properly. Over time this action will become second nature and you will find that you don’t even have to take your hand off the bar.
-Joey
It can be often a fit issue. Try levelling your saddle for a start if you ride with it pointing down. Can also be improper reach to the handlebars, too long or two short. Stem length will give you some adjustability assuming you’re not on a wrong sized frame.
I like the Shimano tape that has the gel in it. I think it reduced road vibration more than my swapping aluminium to carbon bars did.
Or you could be locking your elbows in the drops.