protecting thumb and wrists

[Allan Adler]

I took my bike out a couple of weeks ago. While I was riding, I found that there was so much weight
on my wrists that they hurt. Apparently, I was also resting on the ball of my thumb, since that
still hurts whenever I rest it on the handlebars. The handlebars are the short horizontal type,
since I don't like having to lean forward for the curl-under type. But they still require me to lean
forward to pedal. I don't know whether I'd be more comfortable with the kind of handlebars that
curve back towards me but which stay on top, so I don't have to lean forward. I'm sure there are
technical terms for these various types but I don't know them.

Independently of the handlebars, I'm wondering whether there are standard ways to protect my wrists
and thumb, e.g. some kind of gloves or supports, or some other adjustments. Anyone know?

Ignorantly, Allan Adler [email protected]

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* *
* Disclaimer: I am a guest and *not* a member of the MIT Artificial *
* Intelligence Lab. My actions and comments do not reflect *
* in any way on MIT. Moreover, I am nowhere near the Boston *
* metropolitan area. *
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[Tom Keats]

In article <[email protected]>, Allan Adler <[email protected]> writes:
>
> I took my bike out a couple of weeks ago. While I was riding, I found that there was so much
> weight on my wrists that they hurt. Apparently, I was also resting on the ball of my thumb,
> since that still hurts whenever I rest it on the handlebars. The handlebars are the short
> horizontal type

I think this might be more of a posture issue, than one of how well the bicycle "fits" you, since
you mention you're still having to lean somewhat forward (which is actually a good thing.)

If you find your wrists are bending backward while riding, lift 'em a bit, and your back too, while
keeping your elbows loose. Perk up. Adjusting the saddle height up or down might make things more
comfortable.

At least, see what a perkier riding posture does, before spending money on other stuff.

cheers, & still recalling my mom's plaintive nag: "Stop slouching!", Tom

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[Tanya Quinn]

Is this a new bike? Have you had it for a while? Did it cause these problems before? The big could
be too big for you if you have to lean too far forward. A shorter stem might help. Perhaps your seat
is not adjusted to the optimal height. You might prefer a bike that is designed for a more upright
riding style (hybrid). You could put bar ends on the ends of your bars so that you would have a
choice of two riding positions (obviously only one for braking).

Are you wearing gloves while biking now? If not some gel-filled or padded gloves might help ease
pressure on your palms. Are your elbows bent at all when you ride? If you have to lean so far that
you can't bend you are probably better adjusting the reach on the bike (or trading in the bike for a
better fitting one) than trying to find gloves etc.

Allan Adler <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> I took my bike out a couple of weeks ago. While I was riding, I found that there was so much
> weight on my wrists that they hurt. Apparently, I was also resting on the ball of my thumb, since
> that still hurts whenever I rest it on the handlebars. The handlebars are the short horizontal
> type, since I don't like having to lean forward for the curl-under type. But they still require me
> to lean forward to pedal. I don't know whether I'd be more comfortable with the kind of handlebars
> that curve back towards me but which stay on top, so I don't have to lean forward. I'm sure there
> are technical terms for these various types but I don't know them.
>
> Independently of the handlebars, I'm wondering whether there are standard ways to protect my
> wrists and thumb, e.g. some kind of gloves or supports, or some other adjustments. Anyone know?
>
> Ignorantly, Allan Adler [email protected]
>
> ****************************************************************************
> * *
> * Disclaimer: I am a guest and *not* a member of the MIT Artificial *
> * Intelligence Lab. My actions and comments do not reflect *
> * in any way on MIT. Moreover, I am nowhere near the Boston *
> * metropolitan area. *
> * *
> ****************************************************************************