Mountain Biking - White knuckled death grip problems.

Hi guys.

For those of you who remember me, I've been riding around for a few years. Recently, though, as in this season, I've developed a painful death grip while riding.

I get this pain in my knuckles in my fingers; I assume from gripping the handlebars too hard. I wouldn't consider myself a tense rider - I have a great time riding. The only time I notice I'm gripping is when my hands start screaming. It's then really painful bending my fingers afterward. Today, after yesterday's ride, my joints still hurt.

I try to consciously relax my hands, but I always revert back to my death grip. I don't have this problem when riding my road bike.

Anyone else have this sort of problem? Any solutions?

I suppose a benefit of having such a strong grip, though, is that I won't be that guy who gets sucked out of the airplane when the Russians blow off the door, in the movies.

Similar thing for me but only on longer downhills - I'm not tensing much but contribute it to extra weight on my hands from the angle of the bike plus applying the brakes more often.

Wonder if it's more of a fit issue for you?

I would think ergonomic grips would help. You can rest the bottom of your palm on the so that for lighter portions of the trail, you don't even need to grip with your fingers. I was having similar problems (not as bad as yours though) & they helped a lot. The ones I have are actually Specialized brand, but I've heard better things about these & will get some when my S-Works wear out. http://www.ergon-bike.com/us/en/ergonomics

I do the same thing, and I suspect, like scozim suggested, it is a fit issue. I only do it on the trail, because, well, if I don't I feel like I'll fall off or lose control (and then fall off).

If it's a fit issue, then why wouldn't I have had the problem in the past during previous seasons? I haven't grown.

I check out those grips. Thanks.

Maybe it's not a fit issue in your case, but it could be that it is and has just taken a while to get that bad.

Have you taken a hiatus from riding recently? Could be you're not quite comfortable yet...not feeling "one" with your bike. May cause you to tense up.

Your symptoms may be indicative of overdoing it with some other frequent repetitive stress activity. How's your eyesight been lately?

Yeah, I've been on hiatus 'cause of work. Maybe you're right and it'll just go away as I get back into the regular routine of shredding gnar.

:lol: Just get back out there and relax. When you think about it...loosen back up. Probably just uncomfortable.

Check out the Ergon GP1 grip... Size small is probably good if your under 5'11" or so. I had pain in my hands before I switched to them.

So I've been hitting the trails every day since my post. Chelboed, you were right. I noticed almost right away the pain gone from my right hand. It has been getting better since. On today's ride, I only feel the pain in my middle and ring finger on my left hand, but less than before. I s'pose this is 'cause I use the front brake more.

I have noticed a slight pain in my wrists, though. Mind you, having been mountain biking every day, I feel pain in more than just my wrists. I think everything's fine now.

Sorry for bothering y'all.

Your grips are the wrong size.

Try a shorter stem, different grips, adjust your brake lever reach so they are closer to the bars. Take a Valium prior to riding.