Numb hands and handlebar height - Page 2

I know. I'll get back into some running and dust the weights in the basement someday.

That's cool and all, and to each his own, but as you gain experience on the bike you'll find you'll enjoy those hills even more by spinning a lower gear at a higher cadence, aka revs per minute. Your bodyparts, from your feet to your lower back (especially the knees), will all breathe a sigh of relief as well...Keep rollin'...

Ok, still a learning process for me.

In the past, I experienced numbness in the hands, too. I had the good fortune of turning on the TV during a show on cycling. A former road racer was discussing basic riding positions on a road bike, and I learned that the bars should be set (via height and length of stem w.r.t. to proper seat position) so that your hands only need to sustain the weight of your arms. As a previous post said, nearly all of your weight is borne by the rear end on the seat. Also, your upper body is suspended by the waist, rather than by being up held by the arms. I still make a conscious effort to check where I am putting my weight when I ride. The right fit is key to making the right position possible.

My friend, check out Ergon. German company who do some sexy and very practical bar ends designed to negate what is known in the construction industry as "white finger." I have a set of GC3's on my bike (the ones with the big cow horns on the end), cost me £40 or $62. I don't get that niggly numb ache any more as these bar ends spread out the point load. I recommend! Their bags are seriously cool too (if bloody expensive!).

Topeak-Ergon (yes, two bike accessory suppliers) have united to form 2 teams (one American, one European) competing in organised mountain bike racing events. Seeing as I dig both their individual wares, I kinda support them, particularly Irina (check her out, you'll get it straight away - apart from the fact she's the world champ!). I'd love to get a Topeak-Ergon jersey, but they're like gold dust. I've even been blanked by their PR department in this respect! So if anyone knows better, get back to me!

seek some advice on the proper position of bars, saddle and pedals relative to each other

yes mitts / gloves will help, but nothing will do more for you than a bike that fits!

See some of the basics in this video about bike fitting

Well, I got fitted last Saturday. Raised my seat almost 2 inches. Raised my handlebars also. They said on long rides to change my hand position often. Also recommended ergodynamic grips which I will get. So, I go for my first ride and right away I have the same soreness, but probably from my prior four months of riding. With a concious effort to keep changimg hand position I no longer have numbness.

Raising the seat two inches was a BIG difference. I seem stronger, or just more efficient.

Thanks for all the help.

57 y/o here. Yes, once you are physically fit, bike fit is the issue.

As suggested above, check fore-aft saddle position -- though you don't want to compromise correct pedaling/balance.

Also, if frame is too small and the saddle jacked up to compensate, this can put the saddle too high in relation the bars. One can't isolate proper bike size from bike fit without resorting to some unusual modifications.

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Well I have an 18 inch frame. I'm 6 feet even. Next size is 21 inchs. So I think the frame size is ok.

Except the sore hands, I have no other issues. I'll try the ergodynamic grips also.