Hands go numb

[mikesmith]

I also run Scott grips.

[gowen]

Oh, I just ordered Pro Grip, RVSG or something like that. I was hoping for better results. I have Renthal diamond (all around) and they hurt like heck after a ride.

[Rick]

I have run the big fat Pro Grips for almost four years, and don't get blisters, sore hands, numbness or anything.  I also run ProTaper bars, and have for years.  A week ago, I ran the 108 mile National Hare & Hound and never got arm pump or fatigue (although I did manage to sink the 500 in the big hole on the first water crossing.  Turning a 500 upside down...twice is a lot of work).  Also burned a lot of gas in the desert last Saturday and Sunday with no problem.

It might be that you are hanging on too tight or have the wrong riding position, as both of these will impact arm fatigue.  The first six months on a 500 was tough for me, as I was nervous about the power, so would not ride over the front fender.  Work your way up to riding over the bars, and your arms will be at almost a right angle to the ground, so very little arm effort is required.

As a note, Ben, my 14 year old son, has had problems with blisters riding/racing his KX125, and always wanted to run the thin Scott or Renthal grips.  For the 108 mile National a week ago, I talked him into running a set of the fat Pro Grips.  Not only did he not get blisters, he finished 20th overall!  Not bad for a 14 year old on a three year old 125.  (Before the race, he was concerned about the "fast guys", so I remined him at the end of the race that the only guys who beat him had names like Brown, Pearson, and Abbott, so he's probably one of the fast guys the rest of us all worry about.)  I think he is now sold on the fat grips.

Good Luck in your quest for comfort...

Rick

[John]

If it actually is your riding position and not the gear who numbs your hands you can try the following ? it won't cost you anything.

If you do a couple of push-ups before you start riding it will increase the blood flow in your arms and you are less likely to be tired quickly...

There is also another trick which could help. I picked this up during my military service. It might sound - and yes, it does look weird - but it works:

1. Stand up and relax your arms alongside your body (you can probably pull this of sitting on your bike).

2. Raise your hands towards the sky (using your wrists) as much as you can. Palms should be facing vertical / up-ish relative to the ground. Your fingers pointing outwards (left vs. right) from your body.

3. Lift up your shoulders high. Keep your arms straight and let your shoulders drop hard. Keeping your hands fixed in the same position as in point 2.

This exercise will increase / force the blood flow through your fingers. It?s useful when your hands are cold, as in when you are standing guard in minus 35 degrees Celsius and need to be able to use your fingers. How else can you pick your nose?

Maybe you want to practice in front of a mirror so you realize just how stupid you will look before you do this in public though...

Jokes apart, if you do this right you should be able to feel a sort of tingling feeling in your fingers. I would like to add a disclaimer; my English vocabulary does not yet contain medical terms such as body parts. I hope you understand what I wrote anyway.

//John