[randymclane offline]

I am a reborn bike rider and have recently started to ride singletracks, a few weekends ago i took a spill for the first time, but since then my left pinky finger will start to tingle after about 5-7 miles. It is due to the crash or is it something else? I love getting out and riding and want to fix the issue... Please help

[ollysj offline]

The most time, ppl's fingers become numb, is because they bend the wrist to much.

[jtorlando25 offline]

I've learned one thing about aches, pains, and tingles while riding. They're 75% mental 25% physical...based on zero actual science but they go away when you stop thinking about them.

[randymclane offline]

I'll try a few things and if that doesnt work i'll block it out... Thanks

[schwim offline]

Your body is trying to tell you something. Suggesting you ignore it is setting you up for uncomfortable rides for as long as you take that advice.

First suggestion would be to straighten your wrists. There should be practically no bend in it and the line from your forearm to across the top of your fist should be a straight line.

Another suggestion would be to take the weight off of the palms of your hands. When riding, you should be in a neutral position, with your weight almost completely on your legs when standing and your butt when sitting. You shouldn't be holding yourself up with your hands. If you are, then look into changing the shape of your cockpit. Seat position, height handlebar position and height will all factor into whether you are sitting properly on the bike. Taking some time to figure it out and make adjustments will really increase your level of enjoyment while riding.

[spazjensen offline]

What schwim said above ^^^^ is right. It usually is riding position. But i find happening to me is that all my fingers get a tingling feeling but i know its from gripping the handlebars to tight for a long period of time. Its usually after climbing a long climb when im trying to keep my weight forward.

[jtorlando25 offline]

I am a reborn bike rider and have recently started to ride singletracks

There are muscles in your fingers. They get tingly when they get used. They're not used to be being used so they're tingling. I'm sure your fall is unrelated and after you've been in the saddle for a while, the muscles will strengthen and the tingle will go away.

MTBers can be such primadonnas

[Jarrett.morgan offline]

This is a common ailment for cyclist, and it sounds like the result of a pinched nerve. Generally, when taking it easy these kinds of issues will resolve within 3 weeks. If it continues past 3 weeks, you should probably see a doc and the sooner the better.

A few things that will help you along the way: adjustment, adjustment, adjustment. If you are using your arms to bear weight, you need to adjust your stem and hand grip. Your saddle may need to be adjusted as well. Another thing to remember is vibrations are the enemy. A thicker grip, padded gloves, or a cushier grip will go a long ways.

Also, remember RICE. Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. A good NSAID like Motrin wouldn’t be bad either.

[fat_billy offline]

Holding on too tight is the prime reason for numb fingers. Yes the wrist angle may affect it some. Try This, place your index fender on the brake lever on each side.This gives the rider faster access to the brakes and keeps the hands from holding on too tight causing numb fingers. Once you ride more relaxed the issue should be solved. Many bikers don't realize they are gripping the bars as tight as they are. More time in the saddle will give you confidence to take it easy. Finger on the brake works, try it. Later,

[brianW offline]

My hands were becoming numb and i switched to ergon grips. Issue went away. I like the ones with the short bar ends. More hand position options. Also agree with fat-billy about having one finger on the break lever, sometimes two.

[KKeg14 offline]

I rode 4 different trails yesterday, a total of 30 miles - I never had a problem with numb fingers. However, the 3 hour drive home last night was awful because my back was in so much pain. I'm guessing this is due to my position on the bike while riding or the height of my handle bars? Quite possibly could be from tipping over the side of a hill into a thorn bush- but I don't think I fell that hard? Anyone else had this before? Suggestions? No rush- it's not going to keep me from riding again today! Ice and ibuprofen accomplish a lot for the old body

[Bubblehead10MM offline]

I had a hard landing last week (on my chest over a big log) that I think caused some minor finger tingling but it's better now.
The back thing, with no credentials to base it on, I do get back pain after some hard rides and maybe need to work on the bike set up. but think it's more from falling. Can't hurt to stretch and work on core body muscles, after some rest. if you have spasms Ice and consider getting to urgent care for muscle relaxers. Work wonders, but got to get it before the damage is done by the muscles firing until they exhaust themselves.

[Jared13 offline]

Your body is trying to tell you something. Suggesting you ignore it is setting you up for uncomfortable rides for as long as you take that advice.

First suggestion would be to straighten your wrists. There should be practically no bend in it and the line from your forearm to across the top of your fist should be a straight line.

Another suggestion would be to take the weight off of the palms of your hands. When riding, you should be in a neutral position, with your weight almost completely on your legs when standing and your butt when sitting. You shouldn't be holding yourself up with your hands. If you are, then look into changing the shape of your cockpit. Seat position, height handlebar position and height will all factor into whether you are sitting properly on the bike. Taking some time to figure it out and make adjustments will really increase your level of enjoyment while riding.

Agreed! Heavy feet, light hands works wonders!

And to add a bit to what fat billy said: when your finger is on your brakes, make sure it's still a straight line from your shoulder all the way through your finger. That should alleviate any pressure points when riding.

Regarding the back pain: My guess is poor posture or hitting too many bumps with your full weight on a hardtail....at least that's what caused my lower back pain.