Is this feeling normal?

dblaacker

I just got back from an 8 mile bike ride on my new bike and my shoulders - particularly my left one - are quite sore and stiff. My fingers also got a bit tingly during the ride as well. Does anyone else experience this? How can I alleviate it?

If anyone else has any related fitness questions, feel free to post those here as well!

taylorvanhooren

your hands and shoulders may be sore from leaning in the handlebars with a lot of weight. try not to put so much weight on them, keeping your shoulders up. could also be from rounding your back too much.

tri_bob

Ditto above. Also, be mindful of how much you're gripping the handlebars. I had similar issues, and somebody on a group ride pointed out my death grip during the ride. Since then, a more relaxed grip -- which I have to consciously monitor -- helps avoid some of that soreness.

dougpconnell219

Get padded cycling gloves will help the finger problem.

glevinso

You might need to play with your saddle height and fore-aft positioning.

dblaacker

Thanks for the advice!

tinallen863

Exact same: tingly fingers, sore upper back, shoulders. Just got back from my 2nd ride of the season. I usually get accustomed to it. It's worth it for the work out, so much more fun than weights!

riffraff2112

You are not weird. Both me and my buddy who do a lot of cycling together get this. I do not know the 'fix' but usually stretch the fingers out and make a fist/ then release it during the ride to minimize the effect. I would describe the feeling as 'it feels asleep'.

believeinme0430

I have the same problem when me and my husband go out biking. I have had to stop for a few minutes just to get the tingling to stop and get the feeling back in my hands.

cheshirecatastrophe

The first few long rides each season, I have to concentrate on keeping my shoulders and elbows dropped and relaxed, rather than all tensed up.

Padded cycling gloves might also help. I use Giro Bravo ones I got off Amazon (~$20), but honestly, up til around 25 miles I was fine with $7 weightlifting gloves in the fitness section at Wal-Mart.

Doing some core work might also help reduce the strain on your arms and shoulders.

BrianSharpe

Did your bike shop do a proper fit for your bike? Improper fit is the usual reason for most discomfort experienced, especially on a new bike.

The tingling in your hands is usually a result of putting too much pressure on them, relax your grip (a pair of padded bike gloves can't hurt either, especially if the surface you're riding on is bumpy - the vibrations get transmitted right into your hands and up your arms)

Machka9

BrianSharpe wrote: »

Did your bike shop do a proper fit for your bike? Improper fit is the usual reason for most discomfort experienced, especially on a new bike.

The tingling in your hands is usually a result of putting too much pressure on them, relax your grip (a pair of padded bike gloves can't hurt either, especially if the surface you're riding on is bumpy - the vibrations get transmitted right into your hands and up your arms)

This ^^

I see so many people trying to ride on bicycles that are not set up properly for them.

dutchandkiwi

Machka9 wrote: »

BrianSharpe wrote: »

Did your bike shop do a proper fit for your bike? Improper fit is the usual reason for most discomfort experienced, especially on a new bike.

The tingling in your hands is usually a result of putting too much pressure on them, relax your grip (a pair of padded bike gloves can't hurt either, especially if the surface you're riding on is bumpy - the vibrations get transmitted right into your hands and up your arms)

This ^^

I see so many people trying to ride on bicycles that are not set up properly for them.

Totally agree with this! A fair number of people have bikes that are not the right size for them and/or not correctly set up.
INvesting in a good set up is worth every cent.