Originally Posted by San Rensho
Try this. When you are on your bike, keep yout butt where it is, don't let it slide back, and push away from the bars with your arms, rotating your hips more towards the vertical and arching your back. Push back until you feel little weight on your hands. This is the new position to train in. It will feel awkward at first, but repeatedly push back as you train to maintian the position. Stretch and do sit up to keep your core strong and flexible.
I understand what you are saying and it is something I have tried to train my body into but it is hard to maintain this position. I find it easier while pushing hard on flats or going uphill, but when cruising I put hopelessly too much weight on my hands.
I know I should give the body more time to get stronger. I raced when young and then did not ride for years. I never remember numbness in hands/fingers. Picked up riding seriously 7 months ago again and have done some 3200 mi since then.
Are there any other excercises you would recommend than simply biking more to speed up the core strength and flexibility? Crunches? I do a limited stretching program after the ride.