I went for a 30 mile ride with a buddy of mine today and at the end of it he mentioned that he'd really enjoy these rides more if his hands and feet weren't always numb. Apparently about 5 minutes after he begins riding this happens and it stays that way until he stops. Strangely he seemed surprised at me when I said that this never happens to me. It seems like he thinks this is just a normal consequence of riding a bicycle. He rides frequently, commutes to work, and is even enrolled in a spinning class. Happens every time he gets on a bike for 5 minutes.

I can guess why his hands are numb. He rides a mountain bike with flat bars and no additional hand positions available. I'm guessing he is putting too much weight on his hands as he rides. I recommended that he gets some bar ends.. Perhaps the kind that act like dropbars so he can straighten his elbows out a bit without pressing down so hard as he says his elbows hurt if he can't straighten them out every once in a while.

As for feet, I have no clue. He says his shoes do not feel too tight at all. He is wearing clipless shoes and using egg beaters. Exact same setup I have, actually. Anyone ever experience this?