redpear

(Disclaimer: I know that as a general health question this may fit in other forums, but since I ride fixed and fixed only, I figure I may get more specific help here.)

Lately I have been more inclined to tackle SF's hills (pardon the pun) and sprint across its flats, and I have been experiencing some minor knuckle soreness centralized at my middle finger's first knuckle on both hands. I believe this may be caused by a 'deathgrip' that I may be using to gain leverage when pulling up on the bars during hill climbs and sprints. I attempted a google search for any similar occurrences for cyclists, but I was only able to find very little if anything at all.

I am eighteen and I have never had this issue before, so I don't believe it is arthritis. I would like to know if any of you have ever had this problem, and if there are any suggestions.

Thanks very much,
Albert

oeuf

What kind of bars do you use? And where are your hands positioned when pulling?

hamish5178

and is there tape on those bars?

Squirrelli

Hang loose when you're climbing, don't grip the bars like a vice.

toosahn

just curious. but how many gear-inches are you running to tackle those monster hills in the city?

redpear

@oeuf: I'm currently using drops. They're cork taped. Flats for climbing, drops for sprinting. I've got pursuits coming though, hopefully they might help with the climbing.

@Squirrelli: Thanks, I'll try and make that my habit. It seems like it'd be more difficult to get leverage, though. Maybe when my new bars come in I'll try pulling up more with my upper palm.

@toosahn: 73 gear inches, nothing too difficult. I think it's appropriate for where I am.

Squirrelli

I think the problem lies in the drops, I have a set of classic bends without hoods and climbing is a b**** with them because they are so slanted and have nothing to grab on besides the drops to climb. Changing to bullhorns will make your life much easier, and it is much easier to grip softly on bullhorns than drops with no hoods.

hairnet

Drops without hoods is terrible. The last time I rode like that both my hands were killing me within an hour

vw addict

Bullhorns ftw

ScottRock

Agreed. I have the same setup and climbing is a pita when out of the drops.

OP, if your tape is super squishy you'll fatigue your hands much faster than if it's harder. I doubt that's your problem but it's been known to happen.

redpear

Thanks for the replies. I didn't know my track drops were so unhealthy D:

Good thing I have those bars coming.

Cheers to all,
Albert