Sore/Crampy hands

[mike88]

Hi Guys,

Any idea why my hands and forearms get sore and start to cramp up while riding trails?

I still have my original grips on and do not wear gloves. It gets so bad that i can't control my breaking...which can be dangerous.

[TrackGuy]

How long have you been riding?

[FlyingScot]

I would suggest the following:

 

* Getting a proper bike setup (emphasis on proper) - not sure of the guys in the Cape, but I am sure if you ask around someone can direct you in the right direction.

* Get some ESI grips - I have been very happy with mine, there are different sizes (chunky and normal if I recall). Give them a try.

* Not too convinced on the gloves for trail riding, but I suppose the extra padding can't do any harm.

 

Hope this helps. Good luck solving it!

[Odinson]

Might be a few things.

 

You're forearm flexors might not be used to the specific strain from trail riding. Also, avoid the white-knuckle death-grip when riding.

 

Loosen your grip a bit and it should get better.

[mike88]

Already did a "standard" setup when i bought my bike. Guys said its difficult to do a decent setup because i don't ride with cleats. Ive been doing it for 2 months now, I think my arms must still get use 2 everything.

[Nick G]

.

[Nick G]

Specialized ERGO grips will definitely help with the pain in the hand and forearm

IIt goes with the contour of your hand and also assists in you not having a "death-grip" on your handlbars which could also be another reason you are hurting.

[Beast Tech]

I have been riding for 5 years and my hands still hurt if I am gunning technical sections for +4 hours. Done so much research on the topic.

 

Tried 3 types of grips, ESI included, using some RaceFace Lizard Skins at the moment and so far so good. But I think it is just holding them too hard, have to be as light as you can and keep conscious of it. 

 

Forearms on the other hand is bike setup and good old muscle pain. After a few months that should not be a problem 

[mike88]

Thanks guys

[johannrissik]

Already did a "standard" setup when i bought my bike. Guys said its difficult to do a decent setup because i don't ride with cleats. Ive been doing it for 2 months now, I think my arms must still get use 2 everything.

 

Now that's a new one. I'd like to hear the reasoning behind it.

[BLACKvoodoo]

Yes it's definitely set up but get gloves, can only help 

[mike88]

Now that's a new one. I'd like to hear the reasoning behind it.

As they explained with cleats your position is fixed on the bike and with takkies its not....im new....what do i know. So they could not check if i had the correct stem or not.

They positioned the seat vertical and horizontal. Used a gadet that looks like a pendulum and hanged it from my kneecap. Paddled forward and backwards.