Mountain biking is an exhilarating and exciting way to explore nature’s beauty and experience the outdoors. Unfortunately, mountain biking can also be hard on the body, causing numbness and tingling in your hands.
Numbness in the hands can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor bike fit, incorrect handlebar height, and even nerve damage. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to stop your hands from going numb when mountain biking.
Check Your Bike Fit
The first step to preventing hand numbness is to ensure that you have the correct bike fit. A good bike fit will ensure that your arms are bent at a comfortable angle when gripping the handlebars, with your elbows slightly bent.
This will help reduce strain on your wrists and forearms while riding. Additionally, make sure that your handlebars are at an appropriate height for your body type – too low or too high can cause strain on the wrists.
Wear Gloves
Gloves are essential for mountain biking as they provide cushioning between your hands and the handlebars. Look for gloves with padded palms and wrist closures to provide extra comfort and support while riding. Additionally, gloves with breathable fabrics will help wick away sweat and keep your hands dry.
Adjust Your Handlebar Position
The position of your handlebars can make a big difference in how comfortable you feel while riding. Make sure that you have enough space between the handlebars and your chest so that you don’t feel restricted or cramped when gripping them. Additionally, rotate the handlebars slightly towards you so that the tips of the bars point towards your chest rather than outwards.
Stretch Before Riding
Stretching before a ride is essential for preventing hand numbness while mountain biking. Focus on stretches that Target areas such as the wrists, forearms, elbows, shoulders and neck as these areas are all prone to tension during a ride.
Conclusion:
By following these steps – checking bike fit, wearing gloves, adjusting handlebar position and stretching beforehand – you can prevent hand numbness while mountain biking. It’s important to take care of yourself so you can enjoy every ride without worrying about discomfort or injury.
