Cycling for Noobs

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Eynsham Red Mar 2021 7:36pm, 21 Mar 2021 7,379 posts	Eynsham Red I have developed a problem with both of my thumb joints which may be due to age, but I think that it might be because of the increased amount of cycling I’ve been doing recently. I have straight handlebars and think that the problem could be because I am putting a fair bit of weight on the area between hand and thumb for the hour and a half or so of my normal rides. Has anyone had a similar problem, and know of any remedy?
PK Mar 2021 7:45pm, 21 Mar 2021 849 posts	PK I think you're right. It will be increased pressure. It should pass over time if you keep the frequency up, but you could get a set of bar ends which will allow you to take a different hand position sometimes and alleviate the pressure. Not an expensive bit of kit.
Lip Gloss Mar 2021 7:49pm, 21 Mar 2021 50,038 posts	Lip Gloss ER I find my thumbs get sore too.
Lip Gloss Mar 2021 7:50pm, 21 Mar 2021 50,039 posts	Lip Gloss Maz, Mark I think had to go through through Halfords- well it’s where he got it from but not sure where else he could have went
Watford Wobble Mar 2021 7:54pm, 21 Mar 2021 9,311 posts	Watford Wobble To ER. I do know of a possible remedy. Have a go with bar ends? chainreactioncycles.com I had them on two of my bikes and gave that extra hand position. Your modern day mountain biker will no doubt say they are out or fashion but who cares. They work.
AJLB Mar 2021 7:57pm, 21 Mar 2021 227 posts	AJLB Yes ER, I've heard of this - one solution is drop bars, which offer a range of hand positions. As PK says you can also get flared "ergonomic" grips to slide onto straight bars for about £20 which I think are meant to help with this.
MazzyH Mar 2021 8:29pm, 21 Mar 2021 11,314 posts	MazzyH Bar ends are a cheap n cheerful way to get alternative hand positions, if you’re not looking to switch to drops.....
Dvorak Mar 2021 8:35pm, 21 Mar 2021 22,178 posts	Dvorak ER, I'd start with not putting as much weight onto your hands. I'm making the assumption that you are not hardcore mountain biking and therefore having to grip tight for the gnarly bits (Mind you, some of the road surfaces around here )
Jase Mar 2021 8:47pm, 21 Mar 2021 40 posts	Jase I'm a bike courier/ messenger so spend a ridiculous amount of time on a bike, it is good for WSW tho, take a look at Ergon grips.........
Lip Gloss Mar 2021 8:49pm, 21 Mar 2021 50,044 posts	Lip Gloss It’s a seat I need to look for. Was thinking of a bike cover but not sure what would be best