Training & Nutrition - Hands-numb or weakness

I've just returned to biking-have started going for a 3-4 hours rides weekends-
I have a mt. bike-and I think the reach is a bit too far-my left hand has a noticable weakness for a few days after the ride and my right hand-the pinky finger is still numb. Seems to stay that way for a few days then return to normal.
Suggestions?
American Sensei

Could be your riding position, or possibly your cycling gloves (I'm assuming you're using these).

I've had the same experience. It's likely due to prolonged pressure to the Ulnar nerve that runs down your arm through your hand. Well padded gloves, position changes while riding (drops/flats/hoods), arm stretching, and saddle position can ease/eliminate the problem. Keep your elbows bent. Consider a slight tilt upward on your saddle to help move weight to your sit bones vs you hands, or try moving the saddle forward a bit.

I've had the same experience. It's likely due to prolonged pressure to the Ulnar nerve that runs down your arm through your hand. Well padded gloves, position changes while riding (drops/flats/hoods), arm stretching, and saddle position can ease/eliminate the problem. Keep your elbows bent. Consider a slight tilt upward on your saddle to help move weight to your sit bones vs you hands, or try moving the saddle forward a bit.

Thanks for the suggestions-and I just bought a new seat so perhaps I need some adjustments. I am looking to purchase a touring bike so I have more hand positions. Will make some alterations on the mt. bike and hopefully things will improve.
Thanks again
American Sensei

Could be your riding position, or possibly your cycling gloves (I'm assuming you're using these).
Yes have gloves, but now that I look them over, maybe a new pair , these are looking pretty ragged.
:-)
American Sensei

I have the same problem. Try a pair of bicycle gloves. ;)

I've just returned to biking-have started going for a 3-4 hours rides weekends-
I have a mt. bike-and I think the reach is a bit too far-my left hand has a noticable weakness for a few days after the ride and my right hand-the pinky finger is still numb. Seems to stay that way for a few days then return to normal.
Suggestions?
American Sensei

I had this issue with my road bike a few years ago. Certainly, what others have stated (padded gloves, changing position, etc) is correct, but what helped me the most was changing my seat angle. I pointed the nose of my saddle up a degree or so from level to take the weight off my hands, and that was the end of the problem. Now, don't go too much or you'll have numbness in another area! It's a fine line.

Good luck!

Thanks for the suggestions-and I just bought a new seat so perhaps I need some adjustments. I am looking to purchase a touring bike so I have more hand positions. Will make some alterations on the mt. bike and hopefully things will improve.
Thanks again
American Sensei

If you mounted a new saddle, it may be putting you mm's closer to the bars.
Shoulder probs when overstretched, hands numb when I have the handlebars too close to my body.
Was your seat measured to the bb, or just mounted to your comfort liking?

And unless it was the same brand or identical shape...well,..just try sliding back on the rails in 2 mm increments. The seat pointy up thing works too.

Will change the seat this weekend-new seat was purchased for comfort-I live in Japan and Nihongo wa chotto dekimas! (I only understand a little Japanese!) So between the bike shop's limited English and my limited Japanese I got the seat and had it installed. A Friend of a Friend has found a shop a bit farther away, but the owner speaks English-plan to buy my Jamis Aurora through him-
Thanks
American Sensei