		Cycling Forums > Bike Racing > Health Nutrition and Supplements
Swollen brake fingers? What's my problem.

Welcome to CyclingForums.com

You are currently viewing our website as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions. You will have to register before you can post to this thread.

By joining our free online community you will have access to post new topics, communicate privately with other cyclingforums.com members (PM), respond to polls, upload photos and access other special features like product reviews and classifieds.

Swollen brake fingers? What's my problem.

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Display Modes

17-12.-2001, 05:59 AM	#1
Guest Guest Posts: n/a	Swollen brake fingers? What's my problem. I've been riding my first road bike, and I'm noticing my middle and index fingers feel stiff and a bit swollen.  More so for my middle fingers than index.  But I'm curious if this is common? Might I have my handlebars at a bad angle?  Could reaching to far for the brakes cause this?  It is a slight reach, but nothing that is uncomfortable.

17-12.-2001, 06:58 AM	#2
Vo2 ArchAngel Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Orion Nebula Posts: 2,163	Re: Swollen brake fingers? What's my problem. Handlebars that are too far forward usually lead to sore neck and shoulder muscles, so I doubt if this is your problem. Your problem could be that: Your saddle angle may be wrong i.e. pointing downwards. This is forcing you to support your weight with your hands, causing pressure on the hands and fingers. Check that your saddle is level (use a builders level). Your grip on the bars may be too tight, restricting blood flow. Don't lock your elbows when riding. Change your hand position and strech the fingers often while riding. Your fingers may not be use to operating STI levers. Get yourself a squash or tennis ball (a stress ball also works) and strenghten your hands and fingers by squeezing the ball while you watch TV or browse the web. Lastly, if you do decide to change your setup, do it in small increments once a week. Let us know how it goes. __________________ Pain is inevitable...suffering is optional

18-12.-2001, 07:22 AM	#3
Guest Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Swollen brake fingers? What's my problem. Yeah, it's only been a little over a week. So I'm guessing that I'm just not adjusted to the STI shifters yet. I've been adjusting the handlebars a little bit each time I go out to try to find a good fit. I think I've found a position that is comfortable. I'm a fairly avid rock climber, so I'm sure my grip is strong enough. Not worried now, I was just curious if this problem is common among new road bikers. Hopefully, this is no big thing, and relaxes in a week or two. Thanks for your thoughts.

« Previous Thread | Archive | Next Thread »

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads You may not post replies You may not post attachments You may not edit your posts vB code is On Smilies are On [IMG] code is On HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

All times are GMT +10. The time now is 09:54 PM.