Numb Hands
 

I am 50 years old, fit and really loving track racing. However, my hands start going numb in any race over 5 laps. I had the same problem with my road bike a few years ago and took care of it with the usual recommended solutions: Seat tilted slightly up, new carbon bar with flat tops and gel under the bar wrap. Is there something I can do, or just grin and bear it because the races aren't that long?

have you been fitted? In my experience, that issue comes from too much weight on the hands. That can be a fit issue (too far forward) or bars too low, or maybe even a weak core that contributes nothing to the support of the weight of your upper body.

I haven't been fitted on my track bike. But it would be a different fit from a road bike, wouldn't it? Granted, a very aggressive position, but someone who does road bike fittings wouldn't necessarily be looking for the same things?

Fitments are different. Your fitter should be able to adjust your fitting for a track bike.

Mine meant a slightly more forward seat (to help get over the gear)
A slightly lower seat (easier to spin)
Longer stem (to compensate for the more forward seat)

Might just be from holding the bars too tight. I get it from time to time (although more so mountain biking than track) and have to make an effort to relax things a bit, move my fingers and relax.

Also i've found specialized bg gel gloves are quite helpful, they seem to have the best padding where the ulnar nerve is which is what can cause some problems.

Unless you're standing, you should always be able to wiggle your fingers and flap your elbows like a chicken. Also, Core.