I’m a newbie and have been riding 3-4 times a week. When I get a few
miles into each ride, my left index finger and thumb go numb. I have to
release my grip and let my hand hang for a minute to get the feeling
back. Does anyone know why this is happening, and how I can prevent it?
Assuming you’re riding a road bike (not a tri bike), then I’m going to guess your saddle is tipped down which is throwing your weight forward too much … so it’s being supported too much by your hands. Numbness is a common result when that happens. If your saddle is tipped way down, level it (or tip it down only slightly … no more than 3 degrees).
Whether it’s the saddle or not, it’s almost certainly a problem of weight distribution with too much on the hands. If your saddle is already pretty flat, you should see someone who knows something about fitting and see where the problem is.
Good luck.
.
Assuming you’re riding a road bike (not a tri bike), then I’m going to guess your saddle is tipped down which is throwing your weight forward too much … so it’s being supported too much by your hands. Numbness is a common result when that happens. If your saddle is tipped way down, level it (or tip it down only slightly … no more than 3 degrees).
Whether it’s the saddle or not, it’s almost certainly a problem of weight distribution with too much on the hands. If your saddle is already pretty flat, you should see someone who knows something about fitting and see where the problem is.
Good luck.
.
x2. Also look at gloves with extra padding across the palms.
John
This can also have a lot to do with where on the bars you have your hands. I notice that if I spend a lot of time on the hoods, I have a similar problem. I think it is just the way my wrist is positioned. When I ride in the drops or on the tops of the bars while climbing, I don’t have any problems.
Padding on the palms may just exacerbate the problem. I tried several super padded gel insert gimmicky gloves which were specifically for carpal tunnel and numbness issues before I found one that only had minor padding on the heel of the palm, non whatsoever on the crease, and just a second layer of material on the thumb. They worked great because they didn’t put additional pressure on the nerve running up through my palms from my wrists. You don’t necessarily need any more padding than the flesh on your hands for road/tri biking. Just look for something comfortable, with no seams in odd places. You should be able to test it in the store somewhat, they may let you put your bike up on a trainer even. Although that can cause weight distribution issues depending on the incline it puts you at.
How many miles in is a few? Once you get tired and your abs and back are no longer supporting your upper body, you start resting it on your arms, adding to this… Strengthen the core, save the world.
I had the same issue and got it resolve by seeing a “good” bike fitter. I was a little too stretched out and my saddle was in the wrong position (pointing down). I have not had issues with numbness in my hands since.
Carpal tunnel syndrome my friend.
Problem: Ulnar nerve palsy
Solution: Pearl Izumi gloves
My 2 cents… and just a guess… good luck!
x2 on getting a bike fit. just a bit of tweaking has made the world of difference. worth the money.
if the bike fit, gloves and core strengthening don’t do the trick (which they probably will), changing hand positions from the brake hoods to the bar to the drops at fairly regular intervals throughout your rides can help and then if all else fails it obvious you were meant to be riding in aerobars…
tcost-this is usually a pretty straight forward problem which hansps has correctly identified. Google carpal tunnel syndrome and you’ll see a myriad of examples of this. That said, lots of us get this while biking and don’t need surgery. Frequent hand position changes and a little education go a long way.
You’ll learn that sensory to the thumb, index and long fingers come by way of what’s called the median nerve. It does not supply the pinkie. Bike riding keeps the wrist in extension (bent back) making the nerve unhappy in some and causing the noted numbness. Do the above and just live with it if you can. Good luck.