Originally Posted by
andr0id
You should be able to sit in a normal riding position with you hands on the hoods. Then raise your hands to be about an inch above the hoods. You should be able to pedal slowly on a trainer and maintain that position.
If you can't, you have either a weight distribution problem with the fit on your bike, or a core strength problem. Either will result in too much weight and pressure on your hands resulting in numb hands, fingers and sore upper body an shoulders.
Pretty much exactly what was said here. My approach is that I'll dial in a fit by the book as a "baseline" and then let he individual ride on the trainer for as long as they'd like (usually between 3-5 minutes, some ride for as much as 10 minutes). We'll then talk about what feels good and what doesn't feel good and I'll tweak from there.
The only modification to what andr0id mentioned is also have them drop their hands and basically support their entire upper body with zero support from their arms/hands. I'm looking to see how strained they look to hold the same position.
If I can make equipment modifications I will. My approach is always "make what you have, work" before going into add-on sales like wider/narrower bars, stems, grips, etc.
My philosophy is that gloves are a "crutch." I have no issues with gloves, I wear them when it's cold or really humid and I know I'll be super sweaty. But a bike's comfort for the rider should not rest solely on a pair of gloves. I understand and acknowledge that gloves can assist in comfort but if you have to wear a pair of gloves or worse, a certain type of gloves to be comfortable riding your bike there's a bigger issue that you're masking and should address.