Carpal Tunnel & Mountain Biking

enoonan

Lo All,
I have been recently been told that I have Carpal Tunnel in both wrists. On the road bike it does not seem to be that much of an issue as I have good gel tape and gloves and the bike has been fitted.
However on the mountain bike its a different story. I fitted Ergon grips when I bought the bike as I didnt like the standard grips and they seemed to be fine. I also use good gloves. I also have the bike set up as good as I can fit wise going on the same measurements as my road bike. However my wrists can be killing me when I get off the MTB, especially if I am pushing on a bit.
I was thinking that a riser bar might help take the weight off the hands a bit but other than that I am stumped.
If anyone has any thoughts or ideas on what might reduce/eliminate the issue for me on the MTB it would be greatly appreciated.
No medical advice though please as I know its not allowed on the forum.

Thanks in advance

Eoin

shayr

Hi,
I put a set of bars in the position attached and are great for giving you
the option of different hand position on longer spins.
Can't imagine now what it would be like with just having the standard grip
as an only option.

Shayr

enoonan

Shayr - Thanks for that. A most interesting spot for bar ends. Not seen it before. I'm guessing that it works well for you and is comfortable?

Eoin

Eamonnator

I have the same problem.
When I last changed my bike, I didn't cut the steerer tube, so my bars are higher, it looks stupid, but has improved the situation. Riser bars would have the same effect. I also wear wrist supports, which I bought in local pharmacy.
They have a steel bar, running the length of them, which restricts wrist movement. These help as well.
Like you, I don't have as much of a problem on my road bike.

shayr

Hi Eoin
Have found them great in that position - didnt like them on ends and initially took them off as i found they made the handlebars feel wide and unbalanced and are not great when on tight single track - didnt want them snagging in stuff

But i often do 50-70 k spins on the mtb and i found the single hand position tiring so decided to pop them back on like mini tri bars

Those type clamp around the h-bar and not into the end so u can position them anywhere - saw them recently in that cycle shop near jervis luas stop

Seamus

Eamonnator

These supports are similar to the ones, that I have.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sound-Splinted-Right-Wrist-Support/dp/B000KHVPKM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1341347868&sr=8-3

enoonan

Shayr - Thanks again lad. Must have a look and see if any of the shops around Limerick have bars similar.

Eamonnator - Thanks for the info. Are the wrist supports anything special or do you reckon they can be gotten in most pharmacies?

enoonan

Eamonnator - Just spotted your second post. Thanks for that.

Morgan

You could try using some alternative handlebars e.g.

One One Mary Bars
http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/HBOOMA/on_one_mary_handlebar

Titec H-Bars
http://www.bikestore.ie/all-mountain-bikes-1/handelbars-mtb/titec-hell-bent-h-bar-handlebar-25-4-x-660-mm.html

Jones H-Bar
http://www.jonesbikes.com/h-bar.html

Might help. Might be terrible...

enoonan

Morgan - Thanks for that. Some interesting ideas there. If the riser bars dont work out I might consider one of those

Eoin