Cycling gloves?

Ive seen these & figured I didn't need them because I'm not going on 20 mile rides anytime soon. BUT, my right hand always falls asleep (last 3 fingers). Do the gel gloves help avoid that?

[spotty_dog]

Nope, I'd guess that better position on the bike is what you need. The gloves are largely safety gear -- they keep you from getting torn up if you fall, and allow you to reach down and brush debris off your tires if you run through a patch of pricklies.

To avoid hand numbness, tighten your core and tilt your pelvis back while adjusting your position so your weight is mostly on your pedals, then on your sitbones, and almost not at all on your hands. You should be able to go no hands at any moment. Does that make sense?

It does, thanks. I've been working to lean less on my hands, I figured that would help. I was confused as to why they offer gloves with gel in them, though -- that's what got me thinking there might be some magic in there.

[SoonerTexan]

I've had the same issue. Cycling requires a surprising among of core strength, so your pilates should do you well!

[spotty_dog]

It does, thanks. I've been working to lean less on my hands, I figured that would help. I was confused as to why they offer gloves with gel in them, though -- that's what got me thinking there might be some magic in there.

I think it's kind of like how they offer bicycle seats with tons of padding (even though a thinner seat is, counterintuitively, less owwie over time.) You're not the only one with the problem and desperate for a solution. They might help in the short-term (decreasing the vibration that comes up through your hands) so there's no reason not to check 'em out! I just wouldn't expect a miracle cure (I had a friend back in Cleveland who had the numbness problem pretty bad, and I think a new bike and new position solved it for him.)

Interesting re: bike and position. I'll work on my posture and try a pair of gloves to see if the numbness lessens at all. We've been (very) casually looking around for a new bike since I'm really enjoying cycling, but I'm not quite ready to drop seveal hundred $ (and definitely not thousands) on a bike yet. I was eyeing a hybrid the other day where you sit up more than I do on mine, but figured that if I'm riding for exercise rather than leisure sitting up more isn't really a good plan.

[SoonerTexan]

I liked the curved handlebars for a road bike--they helped a lot for me.

[spotty_dog]

Actually a more upright posture might be exactly wrong! Depends on your body of course but it can encourage you to "tripod" on your hands instead of really letting your core take the brunt of your upper body weight. Racing bicyclists put their saddle slightly above the handlebar in many cases, for a light touch on the steering and easy maneuverability.

Here's Sheldon Brown, bicycle guru, on the subject of hand numbness: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/pain.html#fingers

Interesting link - thanks. I'm having a hard time visualizing the positioning he suggested, but what he said about bar padding/not allowing the hand to set properly may be my issue. My handle bars have these grips on them (I did not install them) that are ... textured or raised? They give the look of a mountain bike ... I don't know.