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What am I doing wrong?

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  • 22-10-2008 10:40am
    #1
    Tawny
    Closed Accounts Posts: 290 ✭✭


    I have started using my bike a lot more to get around town, but am finding that my wrists are really starting to hurt.

    Yes, my bike is cheap and a bit crap, but I'm stuck with it at the mo.

    The saddle is as low as it goes and I can touch the ground with the balls of my feet, so I think it roughly the right height. The handlebars dont seem to be adjustable though.


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    #2
    kenmc
    Registered Users Posts: 7,276 ✭✭✭kenmc


    what sort of bike is it? what sort of gloves are you wearing?
    that saddle seems very low.


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    #3
    Killgore Trout
    Registered Users Posts: 681 ✭✭✭Killgore Trout


    If the saddle is as low as it can go and you can't put it any higher it sounds like the frame is too big

    Type of bike?
    Rough Frame measurements
    your height
    your leg length
    a photo - of the bike


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    #4
    Gavin
    Registered Users Posts: 4,676 ✭✭✭Gavin


    Tawny wrote: »
    I have started using my bike a lot more to get around town, but am finding that my wrists are really starting to hurt.

    Yes, my bike is cheap and a bit crap, but I'm stuck with it at the mo.

    The saddle is as low as it goes and I can touch the ground with the balls of my feet, so I think it roughly the right height. The handlebars dont seem to be adjustable though.

    It might be the angle the brake levers are at, if you are using the brakes regularly. Loosen the bolt that holds them and move them until they are in a more comfortable position. (Then re-tighten bolt)

    I had seriously sore wrists first time I went mountain biking and it was a combination of constantly pulling on the brakes and the levers being at a bad angle.


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    #5
    Muller_1
    Registered Users Posts: 237 ✭✭Muller_1


    You might be gripping the bars to tightly


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    #6
    Chips Lovell
    Moderators, Politics Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 24,269 Mod ✭✭✭✭Chips Lovell


    Muller_1 wrote: »
    You might be gripping the bars to tightly

    Would be my first thought too. Usually the people I see this happening with are relatively new to cycling and clenching the bars too tight.


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    #7
    RobFowl
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 11,667 Mod ✭✭✭✭RobFowl


    Your elbows and wrists should be slightly bent as well, helps to absorb shock. Its related to gripping the bars too tighly


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    #8
    Turbulent Bill
    Registered Users Posts: 1,623 ✭✭✭Turbulent Bill


    Tawny wrote: »
    I have started using my bike a lot more to get around town, but am finding that my wrists are really starting to hurt.

    Yes, my bike is cheap and a bit crap, but I'm stuck with it at the mo.

    The saddle is as low as it goes and I can touch the ground with the balls of my feet, so I think it roughly the right height. The handlebars dont seem to be adjustable though.

    Probably won't help with your wrists, but your saddle should be high enough so your leg is almost straight at the lowest pedal position. If you're just gaining confidence then you might prefer it low, but having it set correctly is more comfortable in the long run.

    As the other posters said, don't grip the handlebars too tightly. Flex your wrists when you're on the move, and don't let your wrists drop below the level of the bars.


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