Handlebar palsy, suggestions for grip?

TronnyJenkins · #1 09-01-2016, 06:18 AM

I did my second Hotter 'n Hell 100 last Saturday and crushed it. By that I mean my time from last year AND also my ulnar nerve apparently. I'm wondering if it's due to a lazy grip. Sometimes I catch myself riding with my wrist at a very severe angle (bent backward). I'm assuming it's better form to ride with the wrist as straight as possible?

I was reading that it's an overuse injury. That's logical, but I've just decided that I'll be doing some racing so I need to find out what I'm doing wrong. Also, I like to play guitar and drums. And grab.

jmal · #2 09-01-2016, 06:32 AM

My experience in longer/harder races is that fatigue can lead to leaning on the bars more than normal, which increases the chances of compressing the ulnar nerve. You are also correct about the angle of the wrist. Extension of the wrist compresses the nerve a bit and over time, and with other factors, can add up to numbness and tingling. I also like fatter bars and thicker tape to distribute pressure better than thinner setups.

ripvanrando · #3 09-01-2016, 07:01 AM

Longer distances, rough roads, poor bike fit, inappropriate tire selection, poorly designed gloves, weak core, poor bike setup, and not frequently changing hand position during a ride could be a factor in numb hands.

Big comfortable tires are probably the best preventative measure followed by correct bike fit.

Pastashop · #4 09-01-2016, 08:12 AM

I'd suggest these, in this order of effectiveness and economy:

1. Raise the bars a bit
2. Move seat back a bit
3. Fit fatter tires & lower pressure
4. Extra padding / tape
5. Look into randonneuring bars (from Compass Cycles) or carbon bars with flat ("aero") top section.

All assuming you have a bike that fits to begin with.

TronnyJenkins · #5 09-06-2016, 03:03 PM

I'm starting to wonder if my new gloves could be the culprit. They seem to be amply padded, but maybe the padding is in the wrong location.

I bought my new Giro gloves at the expo before HHH (old Pearls smell something awful, even with a twice weekly wash) but I don't really recall this issue with my old gloves.

I went out with a group today for 51 miles and changed my grip quite a bit but have some very slight laziness/palsy. My plan is to use the old Pearl gloves the next few rides and see.

If that turns out to be it, I might try the GripGrab gloves...

FlashUNC · #6 09-06-2016, 03:16 PM

One grip suggestion I got when I first started riding. For hand placement when in the drops, think boxer, not wheelbarrow. Would help with some of those wrist bend issues.

TronnyJenkins · #7 09-06-2016, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlashUNC

One grip suggestion I got when I first started riding. For hand placement when in the drops, think boxer, not wheelbarrow. Would help with some of those wrist bend issues.

That helps! Thanks.

benb · #8 09-06-2016, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlashUNC

One grip suggestion I got when I first started riding. For hand placement when in the drops, think boxer, not wheelbarrow. Would help with some of those wrist bend issues.

What does this mean? Some kind of grip difference? Are you referencing the sport of boxing?

Louis · #9 09-06-2016, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by benb

What does this mean? Some kind of grip difference? Are you referencing the sport of boxing?

I'm not 100% sure, but I think it refers to the part of the drop bars one would grip. The "boxer" position would be deeper in the hooks, whereas the "wheelbarrow" position would be on the horizontal portion of the the bars, closer to the bar ends plugs.

TronnyJenkins · #10 09-06-2016, 04:15 PM

I'm picturing

VS

benb · #11 09-06-2016, 04:24 PM

In other words no ulnar deviation.

You shouldn't bend your wrist like that with a wheelbarrow either... and I'm going to guess if you can even bend your wrist that way on your drops you have the drops rotated strangely or the reach is too long or something??

Louis · #12 09-06-2016, 04:33 PM

So this would be OK:

Louis · #13 09-06-2016, 04:36 PM

This would not be OK:

Louis · #14 09-06-2016, 04:45 PM

There's some more ulnar-related info here:
(I have no idea if it's reliable or not)

http://overhaultraining.com/ulnar-ne...ent-treatment/

FlashUNC · #15 09-06-2016, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Louis

I'm not 100% sure, but I think it refers to the part of the drop bars one would grip. The "boxer" position would be deeper in the hooks, whereas the "wheelbarrow" position would be on the horizontal portion of the the bars, closer to the bar ends plugs.

This. Make it look like you're putting your dukes up, not lugging soil around.