Long term effects of thin bar tape?
09-28-11, 04:30 AM
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Long term effects of thin bar tape?
I bought a Cervelo S1 last year and have since put about 3000kms on it. It currently still has the factory Fizik bar tape, very thin, unpadded.
I've noticed recently that I have trouble opening bottles and jars. I get pain in my hands and have lost a significant amount of grip strength. I'm 35 yrs old.
Could this be attributed to the combo of an already stiff S1, "frozen garden hose" Gatorskin tires, and the unpadded bar tape?
I've noticed recently that I have trouble opening bottles and jars. I get pain in my hands and have lost a significant amount of grip strength. I'm 35 yrs old.
Could this be attributed to the combo of an already stiff S1, "frozen garden hose" Gatorskin tires, and the unpadded bar tape?
09-28-11, 04:48 AM
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How is the fit? Do you have too much pressure on your hands, or is it just the vibrations which are causing problems? How about running the tires with a lower psi?
Of course, new bar tape doesn't cost too much, so maybe that would be the easiest way to go.
Of course, new bar tape doesn't cost too much, so maybe that would be the easiest way to go.
09-28-11, 05:20 AM
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I bought a Cervelo S1 last year and have since put about 3000kms on it. It currently still has the factory Fizik bar tape, very thin, unpadded.
I've noticed recently that I have trouble opening bottles and jars. I get pain in my hands and have lost a significant amount of grip strength. I'm 35 yrs old.
Could this be attributed to the combo of an already stiff S1, "frozen garden hose" Gatorskin tires, and the unpadded bar tape?
I've noticed recently that I have trouble opening bottles and jars. I get pain in my hands and have lost a significant amount of grip strength. I'm 35 yrs old.
Could this be attributed to the combo of an already stiff S1, "frozen garden hose" Gatorskin tires, and the unpadded bar tape?
Do you have a harder time stretching out your fingers than before?
09-28-11, 05:35 AM
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likely some ulnar nerve damage. don't worry it will go away if:
you are positionally correct
you don't have a death grip on your bars
you change hand positions
additionally you may wish to switch to:
cork or padded bar tape. some guys even double wrap
gel palm gloves
don't let this escalate to become permanent damage.
you are positionally correct
you don't have a death grip on your bars
you change hand positions
additionally you may wish to switch to:
cork or padded bar tape. some guys even double wrap
gel palm gloves
don't let this escalate to become permanent damage.
09-28-11, 05:35 AM
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I doubt it. 3000kms from last year to now isn't a whole lot of saddle time.
You probably are beginning to suffer from some degenerative muscle disease. Why don't you seek a health professional's opinion?
You probably are beginning to suffer from some degenerative muscle disease. Why don't you seek a health professional's opinion?
09-28-11, 08:32 AM
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pdedes covered it all.
1. regarding hand positioning on the bar, look here: https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...905-Numb-Hands
2. regarding gloves, make sure they are padded in the places the linked thread (#1) will indicate. if you haven't been wearing gloves this is a wake-up call but probably not the only thing needed.
3. regarding tape I like the 2.5mm LizardSkins as a lighter, not-so-poofy alternative to gel tape. it is a noticeable improvement in comfort and grip over the basic Fizik tape.
This can be beaten if you go after every possible causation. Due to bad ergos at work and carrying my toddler son, I had very painful wrists and elbows 2 years ago. Some days I couldn't carry a gallon jug of milk. Today I can very easily ride an hour in the drops. No surgery, just fix everything you can and use good technique.
1. regarding hand positioning on the bar, look here: https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...905-Numb-Hands
2. regarding gloves, make sure they are padded in the places the linked thread (#1) will indicate. if you haven't been wearing gloves this is a wake-up call but probably not the only thing needed.
3. regarding tape I like the 2.5mm LizardSkins as a lighter, not-so-poofy alternative to gel tape. it is a noticeable improvement in comfort and grip over the basic Fizik tape.
This can be beaten if you go after every possible causation. Due to bad ergos at work and carrying my toddler son, I had very painful wrists and elbows 2 years ago. Some days I couldn't carry a gallon jug of milk. Today I can very easily ride an hour in the drops. No surgery, just fix everything you can and use good technique.
09-28-11, 08:37 AM
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I bought a Cervelo S1 last year and have since put about 3000kms on it. It currently still has the factory Fizik bar tape, very thin, unpadded.
I've noticed recently that I have trouble opening bottles and jars. I get pain in my hands and have lost a significant amount of grip strength. I'm 35 yrs old.
Could this be attributed to the combo of an already stiff S1, "frozen garden hose" Gatorskin tires, and the unpadded bar tape?
I've noticed recently that I have trouble opening bottles and jars. I get pain in my hands and have lost a significant amount of grip strength. I'm 35 yrs old.
Could this be attributed to the combo of an already stiff S1, "frozen garden hose" Gatorskin tires, and the unpadded bar tape?
Unless of course, you blew all your money on the bike and cannot afford medical insurance.
09-28-11, 08:49 AM
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It could be attributed to almost anything you do on a daily basis. Narrowing it down to just the bike and possible poor fit does not make sense. Go see your doctor for medical advice...not the 41 (like that's going to stop anyone)
Unless of course, you blew all your money on the bike and cannot afford medical insurance.
Unless of course, you blew all your money on the bike and cannot afford medical insurance.
09-28-11, 08:55 AM
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Ask the doctor. But thin vs thick tape almost certainly isn't what's going on.
09-28-11, 08:57 AM
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09-28-11, 09:10 AM
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i assumed there was pain while riding, but i guess that wasnt explicitly stated.
signed,
not a lawyer.
signed,
not a lawyer.
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09-28-11, 09:41 AM
#14
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But it's not a bad idea to see a doc as they can help you understand how pain in specific places can be caused. It wouldn't hurt to experiment with hand positioning, gloves, etc. BTW, many people equate more padding with greater comfort when that is often not the case.
09-28-11, 10:36 AM
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Nonsense. It's PLENTY of distance to allow ergonomic issues to manifest in chronic pains.
09-28-11, 10:40 AM
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I had this problem lats last year. A handlebar change did the trick. The shape of the handlebar can have as much impact on this as the tape thickness or the overall fit. As mentioned above, seeing a doctor isn't a bad idea if it concerns you. Maybe a pro fitter as well.
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09-28-11, 12:55 PM
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OP... Google ulnar neuropathy... or I believe the colloquial term is cyclist palsy.
Probably not.
You probably are beginning to suffer from some degenerative muscle disease.
09-28-11, 01:30 PM
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Fizik tape.....ugly useless stuff.
You can spend $30 on some nice Lizardskins or half that for Performance's budget version which is very nice.
But Fizik?!...You would be better off with the old-fashioned cloth tape.
You can spend $30 on some nice Lizardskins or half that for Performance's budget version which is very nice.
But Fizik?!...You would be better off with the old-fashioned cloth tape.
