Just to clarify....I am female, have had my bike 2 months but have only ridden it about 12 times (too much snow, rain & high winds). My bike is a hybrid - Trek Neko SL (women's design). The reason for the pinched nerve is arthritis in my neck (which I just found out about a week ago). I have a few more doctor's visits before I find out if/what can be done to relieve the pressure on my nerves. I just started seriously cycling at the end of last summer so all of this is new to me. I had no idea what trekking bars are.
At my age stability & safety are most important to me, that's why I chose a hybrid - kind of best of both worlds for my needs. Now that I have this neck issue I'm really hoping it isn't going to keep me from doing something I love. I've lost over 100 lbs this past year & finally started to get myself healthy. Biking is a major part of this new healthy journey I'm on. Finding out about this arthritis stinks.
I appreciate all your input & suggestions. You have given me a lot to think about. Once I find out what is going on for sure, I may need to reconsider options. Of course I know we're all different but I was wondering how others may have dealt with numbness.