Road Cycling - Brake/shifter hood angles

I have been thinking about angling my brake hoods inwards just a couple degrees. They are pointing perfectly straight ahead right now.

My left index finger gets a bit numb on a longer ride (65+ miles). Not the whole finger, just the outer side next to the thumb. It takes several days for it to come back.

I notice that there is some pressure on this area when I am on the hoods, which is most of the time. I thought that a slight angle in would take a little pressure off and be a more natural angle for me.

Is anyone else doing this? Any reason not to?

Do you have Shimano or Campy?
If you have Shimano, try to bring your levers up higher on the bars. I notice alot of people mount the levers fairly low on the bar and not take advantage of the ergonomic shape to full benefit. Lower mounting also puts pressure on the wrist.

It doesnt sound like bringing in the hoods will cause any problems except it will bring your elbows out more and may constrict your breathiing-- might not though.

I would be uncomfortable because standing on the pedals, with wrists turned inward feels unstable. That's just me so it might work for you.

I have mine slightly "toe-in" and up a bit on the bars. No problems whatsoever.

55/Rad

when are toed-in but flat, no problems, except when on the trainer (never figure that one out)

the only problem the would likely arise if the hoods/levers are toed in is ease of shifting.. It would be harder to reach and shift, as compared to -- if the hoods were straight, or toed out a little.

Why not try bringing you hoods higher up, if its not yet too high up. :)

I have mine angled inward a bit too. My justification is that if I hold my hand in a neutral position out in front of me, it is normally at an angle. I tilt the levers toward that same angle. I'm thinking next time I buy new handlebars I may try "randonneur " style ones like the Nitto 135 to see how that feels.

If you toe it in take a notice of this, your edge of your palm will rest right on the bar rather than off to the side of it. So this might be a more comfortable postion for you, it is for me. I feel it is more natural of a position.

I had mine rotated upwards a bit more. Wound up rotating em back down due to the bend it put in my wrist.

Its more of a try and see type thing. Each persons comfort level will be different. Just take the allen wrench with ya when you ride.

Thanks guys. I think I will just toe them in a bit. They are in the classic low position.

My justification is that if I hold my hand in a neutral position out in front of me, it is normally at an angle.

That is what I notice for myself. So I think it will help. It certainly helped when I got my cleats adjusted to my natural foot position.