Before we start to look at hand positioning for road bikes, let's talk about bike gloves. Gloves designed to absorb compression to the hand and wrist much like shocks on your car. And they are imperative for safe riding!
Now, about those positions. Ideally, as we have already discussed, your wrists should be kept neutral -- or, in line with your forearm (see pictures C, D and E, below).
If the wrist is put in maximal extension (picture F, below) it will put undue pressure on the nerves and vessels that travel through the wrist, potentially causing numbness and diminished circulation.
Another way to take pressure off your hands and wrists is to install aerobars (pictures A and B, below).
Not only do you have the added benefit of improving your speed with these bars, as they make the rider more aerodynamic, but you are offered an option to take the weight off of your hands. These bars have been a lifesaver for my own wrist and hands.
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| Picture A |
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| Picture B |
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| Picture C |
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| Picture D |
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| Picture E |
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| Picture F |
I hope you've enjoyed my posts, exploring how attention to stretching, posture and hand positioning can help you hit the road and exercise pain-free!
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