best handle bars for your wrists

Baker · January 17, 2004, 10:03:05 AM

basically I have carpal tunnel and it makes riding for any kind of extended trip a bit harder as my hands/wrists start to hurt a bit and sometimes my hand will cramp up. I was wondering if there are handle bars that would put me in a more comfortable positiona dn which would be best?

pizzleboy · January 17, 2004, 10:08:46 AM

A friend of mine used to get the same thing happening. It went away the more he rode as he was gaining strength in his wrists.

you could also try loosening the handle bars and changin the angle slightly so you don't have to lean on them so much. That's free and quick.

Jared · January 17, 2004, 10:08:55 AM

Well that's really something only you can answer... do you need them to sweep further back...further forward...be higher or lower than stock to make you comfortable....?

I'd look at some Bikemasters or even check out Srinath's Home-grown bars...... But in the end you're the one that has to figureout what makes you comfy.

oldsport · January 17, 2004, 11:05:27 AM

You might look at adding some bar risers like these.

http://oldsport.home.comcast.net/barrisers/index.htm

The biggest improvement I made to handle bar comfort was to install a 'cruise control' like this one.

It allows you to occasionally take your hand off the trottle. I bought one for a dual cable Honda and had to use my Dremmel to enlarge the center to fit the GS500 throttle. When it's engaged, you have to manually turn the throttle off which requires almost no effort so it's very safe. It works extremely well.

Here's one on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6755&item=2454235559

This is what it looks like on my bike:

OS

Baker · January 17, 2004, 01:51:33 PM

that may help but its more the clutch hand that really starts to cramp up

oldsport · January 17, 2004, 06:31:56 PM

Have you considered surgery?

I had it done on my left hand last week. I'll be in this cast until Nov. 2.

My condition was most likely caused by too much mousing - and maybe not enough biking.

De Quervain's Tenosynovitis.

OS

Jenerator · January 17, 2004, 09:23:12 PM

I'd stay away from the cruise control...I've seen what can happen to someone when they malfunction for whatever reason.

pantablo · January 17, 2004, 11:45:25 PM

Quote from: oldsportDe Quervain's Tenosynovitis.

That's what I have! Mine's from lifting little Hugo too much and with improper technique...my doctor called it New Mother's Disease...no surgery needed in my case, yet.

pantablo · January 17, 2004, 11:47:59 PM

oops, sorry...

Baker. You will have to try getting bars that let you sit up farther. Check flandersco.com for bars with more rise and pullback than stocker (stock is also listed on their site for comparison). Srinaths bars will put more weight on your wrists.

You could also try changing the way you ride and using your knee's against the tank along with your torso to hold up your upper body and put less weight on the bars.

pizzleboy · January 18, 2004, 09:45:12 AM

Good GAWD!! your going to be in a cast for TEN months??!!

john · January 18, 2004, 12:47:18 PM

Oh my. I hate throttle locks. Personally, I feel they are dangerous. I bought a bike with one and never used it.

KevinC · January 18, 2004, 05:27:52 PM

I've ridden probably 200,000 miles with throttle locks, and never had a problem. BMWs come with the fitting in place. I've never used the plastic aftermarket ones, but I have problems imagining how any of them would malfunction.

I know my wrists wouldn't take touring seroius distances without a throttle lock.

oldsport · January 18, 2004, 05:58:55 PM

Quote from: KevinCI've ridden probably 200,000 miles with throttle locks, and never had a problem. BMWs come with the fitting in place. I've never used the plastic aftermarket ones, but I have problems imagining how any of them would malfunction.

I know my wrists wouldn't take touring seroius distances without a throttle lock.

I'm out of the cast on Feb 2, not Nov. 2 - must have been the pain pills they gave me doing the writing.

On the tightest setting, you can easily close the throttle with one finger. When it's off, the throttle works as stock om my 2002.

I had a 1974 BMW which came with one. Greatest thing since sliced bread. (The throttle lock, not the BMW)

More on hand problems:
http://www.handuniversity.com/topics.asp?Topic_ID=45

alerbaugh · January 18, 2004, 08:50:44 PM

Riding will help your wrists. When I got my GS I came from a dual purpose bike so I had all my weight on my seat. After riding the GS for several months and getting cramps, numbness, and overall discomfort it started going away. It took longer and longer rides for my wrists to get numb. Now it takes 30 degree minus and an hour at least to get numb in my hands. It does get better as you get stronger!

alerbaugh · January 18, 2004, 08:53:20 PM

And...

Higher handlebars will take weight off your wrists and hands and more on the seat. It may not fel as natural at first but you will get used to it.

scratch · January 19, 2004, 08:54:26 AM

I would also suggest checking out Buell Thunderbolt handlebars as they may be less expensive. Be sure to order the stock bars for the Thunderbolt as they also make an even higher touring set (which may be too much). I found them at a Harley website when I did a search for "Thunderbolt handlebars". I'll try to post the link here shortly.

News:

best handle bars for your wrists