General Cycling Discussion - carpal tunnel

There is a carpal tunnel thread in the 50+ forum... I'm 44, so I refuse :)

I have a question. I'm having more problems since I switched to a hybrid (Trek 7500) with drop handlebars. I'm thinking about switching to upright handlebars and that would mean I have to change my shifters and brakes? My current shifters are at the curve in the drops and they combine shifting and braking (Shimano Flite Deck). Does this mean I have to replace everything, derailleurs, etc? If so, what would folks recommend for shifting to minimize stress on hands and wrists?

Thanks!
Diane

Look at Nitto "moustache bars." They'll let you use your current shifters/brakes and would give you a more upright stance. Also consider looking at "Aztec Vibe Wrap," a stick-on foam pad that goes under your bar tape & cushions the bars. You'll get the bars I mentioned at www.rivbike.com or other online stores.

First of all, which fingers go numb? Thumb and forefinger = carpal tunnel syndrome, little and ring finger = something else, the lateral nerve is being inpinged rather than the medial nerve. The reason that I ask is because bicycling gloves are being made to help both conditions. Grandoe makes carpal tunnel gloves, Specialized Body Geometry gloves counter the other condition. Both brands have padding that is designed with spaces so they won't press on the impaired nerves.

How high is your handlebar relative to your seat? If you can find a way to raise your bar, maybe shorten the stem a little, you may be able to avoid having to make more significant changes to your bike.

If you decide to go to a flat bar, mountain bike shifters will work fine with your current derailleurs but you need to get low cable pull brake levers.

hmmm interesting (I think). How about whole hand? I would say all fingers. It started out as waking up at night in pain, thinking I was sleeping on my hands. Not better with braces, bothering me during the day now. First doc appointment today. I can't find a comfortable handlebar position anymore :( I used to be able to shift my hands around so my hands didn't go numb.

I'm going to raise my handlebars today. But I'm getting pain when I use my thumb on the current shifters and pain when I brake.



[QUOTE=Retro Grouch]First of all, which fingers go numb? Thumb and forefinger = carpal tunnel syndrome, little and ring finger = something else, the lateral nerve is being inpinged rather than the medial nerve. The reason that I ask is because bicycling gloves are being made to help both conditions. Grandoe makes carpal tunnel gloves, Specialized Body Geometry gloves counter the other condition. Both brands have padding that is designed with spaces so they won't press on the impaired nerves.

those look cool. They are out of stock at Rivendell, but I'll look around. Will they fit any bike?

The Nitto moustache bar looks cool.

doh!

I put Specialized Body Geometry Grips on my cruiser, and they came on my Expedition Elite too.
No more numbness!!!!!

where do I get those? Do you have drop handlebars?




I put Specialized Body Geometry Grips on my cruiser, and they came on my Expedition Elite too.
No more numbness!!!!!

http://twowheelsoneplanet.com/site/itemdetails.cfm?ID=588&Catalog=1&sort=Price%20desc

Found the grips. Now how do I find carpal tunnel gloves? I couldn't find anything for grandoe.... I did find gel palm cushioned gloves supposed to relieve numbness. $25!! See below:

http://twowheelsoneplanet.com/site/itemdetails.cfm?ID=1418&Catalog=1&sort=Price%20desc

I saw hybrid, but missed "with drop bars". My Bad. On my road bars I've got Specialized BarPhat 4.5 which I love. But for long rides I also use my BG gloves.


The gloves you show don't have the padding over the ulnar nerve, which when pressure applied, causes numbness.


Heres some background on the Spec. BG gloves.
http://www.specialized.com/sbcBgGloves.jsp?JServSessionIdroot=83j4827q66.j27008

thanks. I'm going to try those, and the grips too. I just bought me a new bike. I'm very excited. :)

Diane



I saw hybrid, but missed "with drop bars". My Bad. On my road bars I've got Specialized BarPhat 4.5 which I love. But for long rides I also use my BG gloves.


The gloves you show don't have the padding over the ulnar nerve, which when pressure applied, causes numbness.


Heres some background on the Spec. BG gloves.
http://www.specialized.com/sbcBgGloves.jsp?JServSessionIdroot=83j4827q66.j27008