Drops or Hoods?

Forum guidelines BT super discount
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Drops or Hoods? Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2008-06-27 7:31 PM

User image

Elite
4564
200020005002525
Boise
Subject: Drops or Hoods?
So I don't have aero bars yet and I'm not sure when I'll be able to get them and I was wondering what is better for riding? I typically ride in the drops because I figure it's more aero than riding on the hoods. My hands seem to go numb after only 15 minutes or so though and then I have to switch to the hoods for about 5 minutes until I get all the feeling back in my hands. Is there any way to prevent this?

2008-06-27 7:33 PM
in reply to: #1495635

User image

Regular
89
252525
Woodbine, MD
Subject: RE: Drops or Hoods?
Sounds like you need a professional bike fit. Something is not right if your hands go numb that quickly into a ride. Switching to the drops may help the problem temporarily ... but I think you should go to your local bike shop and get fit properly!

2008-06-27 8:13 PM
in reply to: #1495635

User image

Science Nerd
28760
50005000500050005000200010005001001002525
Redwood City, California
Subject: RE: Drops or Hoods?
I spend most of my time in the hoods.  It's easier to shift and use the brakes there, plus I feel like I have more control.  Riding in the drops is not very comfortable and I can only do it for short periods of time.
2008-06-27 8:56 PM
in reply to: #1495635

User image

Champion
19812
50005000500020002000500100100100
MA
Subject: RE: Drops or Hoods?

Agree get a bike fit for sure.

Hands going numb is a fit issue unless you have an underlying medical condition like carpal tunnel or something similar.

Could also be you hold on to the handlebars to tight. 

2008-06-27 10:17 PM
in reply to: #1495635

User image

Expert
750
5001001002525
Harrisburg, PA
Subject: RE: Drops or Hoods?
Hoods. Then I got Pro Jammer aero clip ons. Now I spend as much time in aero as I can.
2008-06-27 10:22 PM
in reply to: #1495635

User image

Elite
4564
200020005002525
Boise
Subject: RE: Drops or Hoods?
I can reach to shift and brake quite easily in the drops. I do have low blood pressure which is one reason my hands go numb so fast, but I don't think it should be happening as fast as it is.

2008-06-27 10:29 PM
in reply to: #1495635

User image

Elite
3471
200010001001001001002525
Evergreen, CO
Subject: RE: Drops or Hoods?
I got aerobars pretty cheap and got a fitting after I put them on my road bike.  My hands and arms are much happier now.  When there's a lot of traffic I switch to the drops, tho.
2008-06-27 10:37 PM
in reply to: #1495635

User image

Expert
938
50010010010010025
Orange County, California
Subject: RE: Drops or Hoods?
When you are in the drops, are your elbows straight or bent?

There are 3 long nerves that go from your shoulder down your arm, through your wrist into your hands.

If your arms are straight and your elbows are locked all your upper body weight is resting on your wrists. And that can squash any or all of the 3 nerves. Squashed nerve = numb hand.

I am not a doctor, and your problem may be something else entirely. But this is one possibilty.

By being on the hoods, you are more upright, and less upper body weight is on the wrists and nerves.

Bending the arms at the elbows, takes some of the pressure off wrists and doesn't compress the nerves as much.
2008-06-27 10:43 PM
in reply to: #1495635

User image

Member
67
2525
Bettendorf, IA
Subject: RE: Drops or Hoods?
Wow, the above is some very real/good advice.  I'd go with that answer.
2008-06-28 3:31 PM
in reply to: #1495635

User image

Veteran
246
10010025
western iowa, almost nebraska.
Subject: RE: Drops or Hoods?
for a little better aero position on standard bars without have clipons, try putting your hands right on the top of your bars about an inch or so from your stem. Bend your elbows deep and lean forward to a body position similar to where you are in your drops. Keep your elbows in close to your sides. This will help keep the air from pooling up in your chest and lap, and is another position to try?
2008-06-28 6:40 PM
in reply to: #1495847

User image

Extreme Veteran
744
50010010025
Ontario
Subject: RE: Drops or Hoods?

JoshR - 2008-06-27 10:22 PM I do have low blood pressure which is one reason my hands go numb so fast, but I don't think it should be happening as fast as it is.

You should try Googling "cyclist's palsy" for more information about the numbness in your hands.

I'm not familiar with the idea that your hands would go numb quicker with low blood pressure, could you explain this? I'm having numbness in my hands and have quite low blood pressure as well.

2008-06-28 7:28 PM
in reply to: #1496571

User image

Elite
4564
200020005002525
Boise
Subject: RE: Drops or Hoods?

DaveH - 2008-06-28 6:40 PM

 
You should try Googling "cyclist's palsy" for more information about the numbness in your hands.

I'm not familiar with the idea that your hands would go numb quicker with low blood pressure, could you explain this? I'm having numbness in my hands and have quite low blood pressure as well.

I have poor circulation to my extremities in general. I asked a doctor about it many years ago and he told me it was cause I had low blood pressure. It got pretty bad a few years ago and I actually have to watch how I sleep now or else I can wake up with no feeling in my arms that doesn't go away for several hours. 

2008-06-29 12:28 AM
in reply to: #1495635

User image

Master
1882
1000500100100100252525
Chandler, Arizona
Subject: RE: Drops or Hoods?
I ride in the hoods as I've neve felt very comfortable in the drops. I'm on the brink of getting aero bars though so that will all change but when not in aero I'll still be on the hoods.
2008-06-29 8:10 AM
in reply to: #1495635

User image

Expert
1187
1000100252525
Ontario
Subject: RE: Drops or Hoods?
This spring I've been riding on the drops a lot to get used to the position and strengthen my neck, but it was hard on my hands/wrists.  I just got clip on aerobars and LOVE them. No more hand numbness or discomfort. 
New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Drops or Hoods? Rss Feed