isara

Hi everyone! I'm here from the California Bay Area, from the little town of Mayberr... er, Alameda. I've been biking on and off for about a year, only recently really getting into it. I have a Trek 7.2 FX and use it for everything from commuting, grocery-getting, and doing longer rides.

As part of that whole process, I just started a new blog about being a fat cyclist and getting started, Big Girl Biking. It's pretty difficult to get a hold of the ropes when you're intimidated by other folks and don't know where to go. Glad to have found these forums, since you seem like a friendly bunch.

Hmm. Anyone have any suggestions for reducing wrist strain? I have new grips, which are much better than the standard round grips, but my hands and wrists still fall asleep after a few miles.

drew55

Welcome to Bike Forums. You may want to check out the Clydesdales & Athena thread. Checking the fitting and adjusting until they feel better is about the only thing I can think of. What I run into is my hands falling asleep or going numb - Aero bars as an alternate position now and again took care of my issues with that.

Good luck

isara

Thanks - I hotlinked that forum as soon as someone pointed it out to me. Nice to have such a cohesive resource.

I have something kind of like aerobars, which helps a bit (I have a Titec H-Bar). I'm still a nervous rider, so being in that more unstable position is a bit scary.

drew55

Fully agree and it can be a problem riding in them very long, when not racing. Many group and club rides either restrict their use or ask that you stay off of them. I'd never suggest it except in an area where you'd have plenty of time to get to breaks, shifters, just as a break to change the blood flow and prevent that numbness.

isara

thanks for the tips! Much appreciated.

DenisMenchov

Welcome. Visit the northern california forum, they got group rides for all levels just from what I've read.

AndrewP

I find riding is more comfortable if I do some gentle exercises for the upper body, such as push-ups on the edge of a table. The cycling is enough exercise to keep the legs in shape. Also have the brake levers set so your hands are in line with your forearms.

hendrick81

Welcome to bikeforums...

kyle16

Hey Isara. Welcome to BF. As Denis stated, come over to the Nor Cal boards. I have been part of BF for about 2 or 3 months now and I only have great feedback from the people in Nor Cal.