Handlebar change for numb hands
08-20-23, 09:10 PM
#1
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Thread Starter
Handlebar change for numb hands
Anyone running a Soma Dream Hi-Riser Handlebar?
I’m currently riding a 2021 Cannondale Quick 3 CX, I put 12-17 miles a day 4-5 days a week, Besides starting to get the numb bum My main concern is the numbing in my hands, I’ve changed out the riser and have started looking at bars to change. Right now I’m looking at the Soma Dream Hi-riser handlebar.
The Current Bars are stock except for the risers and Argon bar ends . After the bars then I’m going to focus on a new seat. Looking at a WTB saddle.
I’m currently riding a 2021 Cannondale Quick 3 CX, I put 12-17 miles a day 4-5 days a week, Besides starting to get the numb bum My main concern is the numbing in my hands, I’ve changed out the riser and have started looking at bars to change. Right now I’m looking at the Soma Dream Hi-riser handlebar.
The Current Bars are stock except for the risers and Argon bar ends . After the bars then I’m going to focus on a new seat. Looking at a WTB saddle.
08-21-23, 04:30 AM
#2
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I swapped bars from the original Cannondale piece to Raceface Turbine with 3/4" rise and find it more comfortable than the original bars.
https://www.rei.com/product/108399/r...rect-pup=false
I also use Ergon grips - currently GP5 but will move back to GP1.
Are you arms loose? Elbows locked? Dealthgrip on the bars? All of those can cause tingling in the hands.
https://www.rei.com/product/108399/r...rect-pup=false
I also use Ergon grips - currently GP5 but will move back to GP1.
Are you arms loose? Elbows locked? Dealthgrip on the bars? All of those can cause tingling in the hands.
Last edited by Trav1s; 08-21-23 at 09:20 AM.
08-21-23, 07:04 AM
#3
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Looking at the pic all I can say is Yikes! ! !
Your saddle is slammed back on the rails, looks like the seat post is about as high as it can go and you have a stem riser to get the handlebars at that height.
It's easy to say the frame is too small for you and your front to back weight ratio is out of balance resulting in all your upper body weight being moved to your shoulders, arms and hands resulting in numbness.
Best to start with a bike fit and if indeed the frame is too small at least you have a beginning and baseline to start from.
But if you are sticking with this bike as it is you can perhaps get some relief by moving your hand position more frequently to allow blood flow to the extremities.
Perhaps handlebars with more riser height to move your weight to a more balanced position...it is generally accepted that approximately 52% of your body weight is on the rear wheel and the remainder on the front wheel. This allows a good balance to support the upper body comfortably with good control and power to the pedals.
Your saddle is slammed back on the rails, looks like the seat post is about as high as it can go and you have a stem riser to get the handlebars at that height.
It's easy to say the frame is too small for you and your front to back weight ratio is out of balance resulting in all your upper body weight being moved to your shoulders, arms and hands resulting in numbness.
Best to start with a bike fit and if indeed the frame is too small at least you have a beginning and baseline to start from.
But if you are sticking with this bike as it is you can perhaps get some relief by moving your hand position more frequently to allow blood flow to the extremities.
Perhaps handlebars with more riser height to move your weight to a more balanced position...it is generally accepted that approximately 52% of your body weight is on the rear wheel and the remainder on the front wheel. This allows a good balance to support the upper body comfortably with good control and power to the pedals.
08-21-23, 07:36 AM
#4
Newbie
Thread Starter
I swapped bars from the original Cannondale piece to Raceface Turbine with 3/4" rise and find it more comfortable than the original bars.
https://www.rei.com/product/108399/r...rect-pup=false
I also use Ergon grips - currently GP5 but will move back to GP!.
Are you arms loose? Elbows locked? Dealthgrip on the bars? All of those can cause tingling in the hands.
https://www.rei.com/product/108399/r...rect-pup=false
I also use Ergon grips - currently GP5 but will move back to GP!.
Are you arms loose? Elbows locked? Dealthgrip on the bars? All of those can cause tingling in the hands.
08-21-23, 07:43 AM
#5
Newbie
Thread Starter
Looking at the pic all I can say is Yikes! ! !
Your saddle is slammed back on the rails, looks like the seat post is about as high as it can go and you have a stem riser to get the handlebars at that height.
It's easy to say the frame is too small for you and your front to back weight ratio is out of balance resulting in all your upper body weight being moved to your shoulders, arms and hands resulting in numbness.
Best to start with a bike fit and if indeed the frame is too small at least you have a beginning and baseline to start from.
But if you are sticking with this bike as it is you can perhaps get some relief by moving your hand position more frequently to allow blood flow to the extremities.
Perhaps handlebars with more riser height to move your weight to a more balanced position...it is generally accepted that approximately 52% of your body weight is on the rear wheel and the remainder on the front wheel. This allows a good balance to support the upper body comfortably with good control and power to the pedals.
Your saddle is slammed back on the rails, looks like the seat post is about as high as it can go and you have a stem riser to get the handlebars at that height.
It's easy to say the frame is too small for you and your front to back weight ratio is out of balance resulting in all your upper body weight being moved to your shoulders, arms and hands resulting in numbness.
Best to start with a bike fit and if indeed the frame is too small at least you have a beginning and baseline to start from.
But if you are sticking with this bike as it is you can perhaps get some relief by moving your hand position more frequently to allow blood flow to the extremities.
Perhaps handlebars with more riser height to move your weight to a more balanced position...it is generally accepted that approximately 52% of your body weight is on the rear wheel and the remainder on the front wheel. This allows a good balance to support the upper body comfortably with good control and power to the pedals.
08-21-23, 09:13 AM
#6
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Went for my ride this morning and tired to pay attention to my arms and hands. My arms appear to be mostly straight and my wrists were more in a downward slope than straight on the bars. I didn't get as much of the numbing this morning but we only rode 10.5 miles this morning.
I finally got the GP5s set right and it made all the difference on my 36 mile ride yesterday. They almost feel like the wings are raised where the back of my palms rest. FWIW - I experienced the same thing with the Ergon GA3 grips on my MTB.
pics for reference
Last edited by Trav1s; 08-21-23 at 09:26 AM.
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08-21-23, 09:26 AM
#7
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Thread Starter
I've got the GP2, I'm thinking maybe I should have gone with the GP5. I made a seat adjustment based on Kai Winters comment and adjusted the bars slightly. We will see how my ride in the morning goes. My LBS is closed today so based on my ride tomorrow I may made an appointment for a bike fitting.
08-21-23, 09:42 AM
#8
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I've got the GP2, I'm thinking maybe I should have gone with the GP5. I made a seat adjustment based on Kai Winters comment and adjusted the bars slightly. We will see how my ride in the morning goes. My LBS is closed today so based on my ride tomorrow I may made an appointment for a bike fitting.
08-22-23, 05:23 AM
#9
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just got back into riding in late 2021 after stepping away for around 20 years
my hands (etc) would get numb at times for the early rides - but this has not been a problem recently ... even on bikes with a less than ideal setup ...
sometimes it just requires some time before you / your body / parts of your body can become accustomed to riding
this is often the case with seats
my hands (etc) would get numb at times for the early rides - but this has not been a problem recently ... even on bikes with a less than ideal setup ...
sometimes it just requires some time before you / your body / parts of your body can become accustomed to riding
this is often the case with seats
Last edited by t2p; 09-27-23 at 03:26 AM.
09-20-23, 09:28 AM
#10
Newbie
I was having some numbness issues, and came across some YouTube videos about Ritchey Kyote bars. Made enough sense to me to try, the bend is such that the reach doesn't change. Bars kick forward then come back very close to my straight bar distance. Hands/wrists are now in line with my forearms which is much more comfortable. Well priced at around $40.
09-26-23, 12:53 PM
#11
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A very different style, but I love my Velo-Orange Tourist bar. The sweep puts my wrists, arms, and shoulders in a much more neutral position. They have a variety of swept handlebars; worth checking out.
09-26-23, 03:57 PM
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A very different style, but I love my Velo-Orange Tourist bar. The sweep puts my wrists, arms, and shoulders in a much more neutral position. They have a variety of swept handlebars; worth checking out.
09-26-23, 06:13 PM
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I've recently put butterfly/trekking bars on one of my road bikes. Has made all the difference in the numbness department.
