General Cycling Discussion - Numb arm(s)

Started a longer commuting route this Monday...my lower arms are sometimes slightly numb when I'm cycling. What the heck?

Most likely a position issue, I think--if your bike's set up so there's a lot of weight on your arms, it can make them numb or sore. Also could be vibration from rough pavement or too-hard tires, no gloves, no handgrips with flat bars or a couple of other things I'll probably think of in a minute.

Lower your bars.

I don't use gloves, my seat is slightly too low (working on getting used to it being at the correct height.) Had my bike over 1 month and I ride a lot to begin with, but upped the distance this week. Some of the streets I ride on are pretty rough / construction etc. My elbow sometimes gets stiff and hurts too.

If it helps, I ride a flat bar hybrid that's brand new.

Try moving your hands around in different positions as you ride so there isn't constant pressure on one place or point of your hand/palm.

Be sure you aren't death-gripping.

If you aren't riding with gloves, try them. Go to your LBS to get them if you can, so you can try on different types.

Flex and unflex your hands every so often as you ride.

Move fore/aft on your saddle during your ride. A small movement can make a difference in how you are positioned over your bike - might be enough to alleviate any stiffness/fatigue from being in one position too long.

Tip the nose of the saddle up slightly. Saddle angle controls body weight distribution. Level is ideal, but that doesn't help everyone.

Relax your neck and shoulders and make sure your arms have a slight bend at the elbow.

Bend your elbows ... don't lock them.

Started a longer commuting route this Monday...my lower arms are sometimes slightly numb when I'm cycling. What the heck?

in my case it's my hands.

you just have to remind your self to relax and take a break... which i know from experience it's not an easy thing to do, since you are in the zone, and the ride is so fun, you simply don;t want to stop to rest :lol:

that's my problem.

so at the end of my ride my hands are terribly numb, and my fingers hurts because it's always in the ready to hit the break position.

i need to seriously start taking it easy, instead of racing to the imaginary finish line :D

Gloves that have padding (gel) that protects the medial and ulnar nerves have solved my numb-hands syndrome. So did some Ergon GS-2 grips (the ones with the horns) on my hybrid.

Ah, something to look into, thanks!