Hand | Numbness and fingers falling asleep while cycling| SQlab grips

Numbness in Hands and Fingers during cycling

Numbness in the hands and fingers is a common problem for cyclists and can severely impair the riding experience. These uncomfortable sensations usually arise from pressure on nerves and blood vessels, often caused by unfavorable hand positions or unsuitable grips. Particularly affected are the carpal tunnel exit and the ulnar nerve, which is often exacerbated by non-ergonomic products, as these exert increased pressure. At SQlab, we develop targeted solutions to address this issue.

CAUSES of numbness

High pressure on the outside

Lateral, overstretched wrist

Pressure on the carpal tunnel exit

High pressure on the outside

Cause - high pressure on the outside of the hand

numbness in the ring and the little finger

SQlab Solution

Grips with a SQlab relief wing

Numbness in the ring finger and little finger is caused by excessive pressure on the outside of the hand. Pressure measurements show that the maximum pressure usually occurs on the outside of the hand. At this point the ulnar nerve runs, which is responsible for the sensitivity of the ring finger and the small finger.

In order to reduce the pressure on the outside of the hand, we at SQlab have made the contact surface as large as possible. The grip was flattened at the top and pulled forwards and backwards so that, depending on the area of use, the surface is as large as possible.

Lateral, overstretched wrist

Cause - laterally overstretched wrist

numbness in the index finger, middle finger or thumb

SQlab Solution

handlebar with more backsweep for a natural hand position

The cause of numbness in the forefinger, middle finger or thumb is an overstretched lateral wrist, which can narrow the carpal tunnel. Similar to a kinked garden hose, through which no more water flows, the nerve information can no longer be transported through the narrowed carpal tunnel. This "bend" is usually caused by a too straight handlebar with too little bend to the rear (backsweep). Sports physicians recommend a stronger bend of the handlebar to the rear in order to achieve a straight transition from the forearm to the hand.

This “backsweep” creates a rearward curve so that the wrist is not over stretched and the carpal tunnel is no longer restricted, thus relieving the hand and improving its position. This minimizes the risk of numb fingers and discomfort in the thumb, index and middle finger.

16° Backsweep

stretched out riding position, Hardtail, Racefully

Ideal for marathons and long mountain bike tours
The 16° backsweep provides a natural transition from the lower arm to the hand when in a more stretched riding position
The Upsweep determines the elbow position for an active riding style
Three different heights allowing individualized riding positions
Also available in carbon

12° Backsweep

upright riding position, All Mountain, Enduro

Perfectly complements the gravity biker
The 12° backsweep with its short reach provides a natural transition from the lower arm to the hand when in a more upright riding position thus protecting the wrist from the extreme strain occurring in downhill riding
The 4° Upsweep determines the elbow position for an active riding style
Three different heights allowing individualized riding positions
Also available in carbon

Pressure on the carpal tunnel exit

Cause -high pressure on the carpal tunnel outlet

numbness in the index finger, middle finger or thumb

Relief wing loads the carpal tunnel exit

SQlab Solution

Relief of the carpal tunnel exit by means of a relief wing placed far outwards

Wide relief wing on the outside - Carpal tunnel exit is free

Cause is too high pressure on the carpal tunnel exit, often caused by relieving wings, which relieve the ulnar nerve, but under unfavorable circumstances load the median nerve. A very sensitive area, which can usually be relieved by selecting the correct handle bar sweep for a straight transition from lower arm to hand. Here we should also pay special attention that this area is pressure relieved!

The unloading wing must be placed as far outside as possible to keep the carpal tunnel exit largely free and reduce the pressure. Already easy, but constantly recurring pressure, over a long period of time, can lead to problems such as a Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. In addition, the far outer placement of the relief wing improves the grip security, especially when supporting to the front.

The force line of the forearm runs trough the middle of the grip

supporting relief wing

Adjustment of the relief wing

We recommend 150° to 160°. Optimally, the extended force line of the forearm runs through the center of the grip. Recommendations between 180° and 165° are currently widely used, but can become dangerous, as the support while leaning forward cannot be guaranteed when braking strongly. The SQlab relief wing should not correct the hand, but merely support it.

Numbness of hands and fingers

Numbness in Hands and Fingers during cycling

CAUSES of numbness

High pressure on the outside

Lateral, overstretched wrist

16° Backsweep

12° Backsweep

Pressure on the carpal tunnel exit

Adjustment of the relief wing