Vibration white finger!

[Lee J Maynard]

When I commute to work on my hybrid I'm getting pins and needles in my right hand! Is this normal is there a cure?

 

[numbnuts]

Vibration white finger ??
Stop using vib........you get the meaning
Padded gloves helps

 

[cosmicbike]

Unlikely to be white finger (associated with prolonged use of vibrating tools, jack hammers etc etc), but it is uncomfortable none the less. As mentioned, padded gloves to start with, then a little time spent getting the bike setup can make all the difference.

 

[Lee J Maynard]

Cheers guys, got some cheap padded gloves may have to invest in a better pair.

 

[Mr Foldy]

Hope you sort it. I'm almost relieved to hear this is a real thing. I get it sometimes. Never when I wear gloves right enough!

 

[colin2011]

I suffer in exactly the same way when using flat bars.
When I use drop bars there isn't a problem, I suspect it's because the wrists are turned through 90% and therefore don't get used as 'suspension'.
I'd try either bar ends or drop bars.
Look up Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, you aren't necessarily suffering from it but Wikipedia explains how the pain occurs.

 

[ColinJ]

And if your tyre pressures are high, try lowering them a few psi - it can help a lot.

 

[captain nemo1701]

You may be putting pressure on your Ulnar nerve.
Try using padded gloves like Specialized Body Geometry series. A bit pricey but good quality and the gel pads help out lots. Also, try adjusting your position a little as it sounds like you are leaning too far forwards when riding and thus putting excess pressure on your hands. You could try adjusting saddle height and handlebars so that you find a more comfy position.

 

[buggi]

i suffered when i first started to ride but now my hands are fine. If the padded gloves don't help, try wrapping an extra layer of handlebar tape on.

 

[Berties]

Could be pressure on the ulnar nerve or median if the numbness is specific to fingers it can be specific,pressure on your neck can be a cause ,so bike fit needs a look at,gloves do help,tape helps,I do chin tucks regularly on a ride to relieve pressures on neck,when your hand goes numb ,when safe take one hand at a time ,put arm back and open and close hand a few times,and the numb feeling should go,good luck

 

[vickster]

Ergo grips help me and good gloves

You don't normally have tape on a flat bar hybrid or am I missing something for those who mentioned it above

 

[downfader]

And if your tyre pressures are high, try lowering them a few psi - it can help a lot.

Thats a good point. Gators and Bontragers say they take 120psi, but I've never needed anything past 100 on these roads.

 

[ColinJ]

Thats a good point. Gators and Bontragers say they take 120psi, but I've never needed anything past 100 on these roads.

I've had bottles shaken from their cages when I had my pressures too high on the rough local roads!

 

[downfader]

I've had bottles shaken from their cages when I had my pressures too high on the rough local roads!

Same here.. well a light on the bar to be precise.

 

[ColinJ]

Same here.. well a light on the bar to be precise.

Oh yes - I shook off a rear light once. I've also induced cramp in my hands and feet, and even got toothache after shaking a filling loose!

I've given up on higher pressures round here now. Every time I go above 100 psi, I only get a mile or two down the road before stopping to let some air out of the tyres.

Some of the local roads are being given a major makeover in anticipation of the Tour de France passing through next July. There will be one near-perfect route through the county, surrounded by roads which are a rough, rutted, potholed mess!