AlbertaBeef

I started commuting to work on my rigid-fork MTB, which has some locking grips without a lot of padding - but I do wear gloves (although they're two years old...)

Something about the position on that bike vs. my road bike causes numbness in both my little and 4th finger of my right hand... I'm guessing I'm pressing on a nerve in my right hand, pretty sure it's around the palm area opposite my thumb...

The numbness lasts for an hour or so after a ride (my commute is 40km/25 miles each way) and the rides usually take about 1:15 going to work and 1:45 coming back (slightly downhill there, slightly uphill back).

So, is it my old gloves? The grips? a combination of the two? Or is it something about not being used to riding the rigid MTB much? Or does anyone else have other suggestions?

I wouldn't necessarily think it's my gloves as I can ride my road bike 6-8 hours without the same thing happening... But I also change hand positions frequently on the road bike, whereas this MTB has basically one hand position...

Ideas? Thoughts? Suggestions? Thanks!

dramiscram

I would start by trying higher handbar or checking the distance between saddle and handlebar or maybe you saddle is tilted forward too much, anything that would cause you to put too much weight on your hands.

ratdog

I used to ride with gloves and every time I did the same thing would happen. I now ride without gloves but have to make sure I move my hands around otherwise I get blisters. Try riding without the gloves or with gloves that have less padding.

10 Wheels

Can you Try riding your road bike to work?

AlbertaBeef

I have - there's no issues. I want to ride my MTB so I can use my commuting shoes with clips/straps instead of my cleated road shoes... Walking around the parking lot, stairs, office, etc. is awkward in cleats...

10 Wheels

Switch pedals or get another set.

Cychologist

You may have a "fit" issue where you are reaching too far. But I would bet it is because you don't have the multiple options on where you place your hands on the straight handlebars, so likely aren't moving them about but krrping them "locked" on the bike. Practice moving the hands on the bar and take a loose grip on the bars. Don't support your weight of your hands, but on your sit bones.

r32nj

Some Ergon grips with barends might help (or other brand if you find something you like).

Nightshade

https://www.hughston.com/hha/a_15_3_2.htm

https://www.active.com/cycling/Articl...lthy_Hands.htm

https://physiobench.com/articles/25/C...andlebar-palsy

skilsaw

+1 bar ends.

chefisaac

a bike fit might help out. it did for me.

krobinson103

I had that happening a while back. It ended up being the angle on the grips and controls. Making sure that my wrists were lined up right when I shifted or used the brakes made a huge difference. As did ergonomic grips and motorcycle fingerless gloves. Now I can ride 10 hours and feel comfortable.

Mark Stone

All of the above. With flat bars there are not very many options for hand placement, so get bar ends ("bullhorns") for more options. Adjust your seat back and point it up slightly, because it might be throwing you forward into the bars. Adjust the angle of the shifters/brake levers so your wrist isn't bent or weird when you have to shift or break. Don't tighten up your gloves so tight, let your hands breathe. Experiment with bike adjustments and see what works.

I also like 10 Wheels suggestion to use your road bike with switched pedals, at least until you figure out what's causing your numbness.

Mark Stone

Don't listen to chefisaac he's crazy. (jk! jk! jk!)

Guinnessmike

How are you holding your neck? Any known cervical isues? the finger affected point that way and if your neck is in a different position than a different bike then I have to wonder about your neck

PartsMan

You could be holding the grip wrong.
Sheldon Brown has a great page for bike Pain.
https://sheldonbrown.com/pain.html#fingers