Teamprovicycle

So i had an idea to use some dirt cheap walmart gel insoles or other gel pads on amazon , as bar pads that go under my tape . i dunno why but my hands are going numb on rides they havent so i figure im just riding more almost every day training on top of commute so maybe its just extra stress . let me know what you think or should i spend the 17 online 30 to 50 retail on fizik pads .

oldschool56

I too use gel under the wrap. I bought mine I think from Specialized. Works great! However, your idea sounds feasible. The only drawback I can see is that inner sole material may not be quite flexible enough which may be problematic when trying to mold the gel over the bars smoothly. Give it a go. Worse scenario is you'll be out less than ten bucks. Let us know how it worked out.

Doctor Morbius

You sure you want to do that? Your hands are going to smell like feet all day long!

caloso

Teamprovicycle

Lol amazon has other generic gel pads i could try too ...

Stormy Archer

Aren't the cheapest walmart gel insoles like more than 7 bucks anyways??

OldTryGuy

Have tried gel under tape and foam grips under tape. Foam is more forgiving IMO.

fietsbob

You go for it, post a revue of your results


the Fizik pads are a peel and stick on a release sheet, 4 pieces 2 curved mirror images , and 2 straight ones

with a background in bar taping, they always come out well packed with black tape,
or separate to use with your color choice of tape..

double layer taping increases diameter, Old tape overwrapped with new.. now that Is cheap..

Wildwood 

New gloves.

rydabent

No pressure on your hands on a recumbent. Why ride a style of bike invented nearly 120 years ago. Ride a modern recumbent or a trike.

Lazyass

Or 15.99 for Fizik. I prefer padded cycling gloves myself over gel thingies.

https://www.biketiresdirect.com/prod...RoCc1YQAvD_BwE

BlazingPedals

Step 1: plain bar tape
Step 2: padded bar tape
Step 3: foam pipe insulation covered with padded bar tape
Step 4: Recumbent

You're somewhere between Steps 2 and 3.

Teamprovicycle

I would only ride a velo mobile some day if i have the money

15 bucks plus shipping still too much

The walmart pads where 4.99 clear gel insoles .worked ok im going to change the position.

I looked for gloves they all feel cheap and have basic padding .

BobbyG

I developed hand issues in my 40s. I was also playing softball at the time. I started putting gel-style heel cushions in my mitt and batting gloves. Then I began putting them in my cycling gloves. It is easier and cheaper to pad the gloves with gel than the bars, but...

For the last few years I have been using medium pipe insulation on the bars of my bikes. It works for me, and at around $5 for 6 feet of foam that lasts a year for all three bikes, it's very economical.

And now, ten years later my hands aren't as bad as they once were. I think a too-high dose of statins may have been to blame, but my hands are still somewhat sensitive.

AndreyT

It is kinda hard to parse the above sentence to figure out what you are trying to say there. However, numb hands are typically a consequence of incorrect hand position when riding on the tops. Gel pads generally offer little help with that, or no help at all.

BobbyG

I also want to add my hands wouldn't go numb, just ache. Another successful tactic for hand issues is switching between multiple hand positions which is easier on some bars than others.

TiHabanero

"...numb hands are typically a consequence of incorrect hand position when riding on the tops." Please explain this. Thanks!

Teamprovicycle

Do you think nutrition can play a part . my hands are feeling a little better but still get numb and fatigued on rides they should not ..
i tilted my bars forward a bit but it didnt change too much .

veganbikes

Here is the ideal situation for comfort: Flat top bars like the Zipp Service Course SL-70 Ergo bars with Fizik gel underneath and Lizard Skins 3.2mm DSP tape overtopwith good ergonomic brake levers (like SRAM 500s or TRP RRL) or good "brifter" type levers. Also move your hands around on longer rides and don't forget to make sure your bars are properly adjusted and you are using the right stem angle and length. You might talk to your local fitter because they might also have some insight to offer especially with adjustments and proper positioning.