Just didn't want to do the newbie-abandoning-without-update thing. I appreciate everyone's help. I haven't ridden outside in a few weeks, because my hand numbness made things really bad and I was not confident with my ability to use the brakes when needed. I mostly ride on a very crowded MUP and there is just too much risk. My hands would go numb and stay that way by about 20 minutes or less into the ride. I'd try to move my fingers around but that wouldnt help. Gloves would quickly make me feel like my fingers were being twisted off, no matter the size I tried, so that didn't help.

I've ridden on the indoor bike more than i have in years. After a couple of hours my hands are also numb there, but I have more freedom to adjust as needed and so far I haven't run over anyone or anything

I hated giving up, but I am dependent on my cycling for weight loss and so I needed to be able to focus on riding long. I tried a ton of adjustments but nothing helped with comfort.

I know a big part of this is also my size and core/arm weakness, so perhaps in a year or so I will revisit.

Thanks and Ride on!