Numb fingers or burning, numb feet (“hot foot”) are signs that pressure is building in the wrong places. Both are common, and both usually improve with the right position and technique adjustments.
Common causes of hand numbness
- Too much weight on your hands, from a reach that is off, an incorrect saddle angle, a worn-out saddle, or less-than-optimal posture
- Bent wrists from handlebar rotation or brake lever position
- Handlebars that are too wide or too narrow for your shoulders
- Gripping the bars tightly instead of resting on them
Common causes of foot numbness and hot foot
- Cleats set too far forward, concentrating pressure on the metatarsal heads (the ball of the foot)
- Shoes that are too tight or too narrow
- Poor pedaling technique, which increases pressure on the feet
How a bike fit & technique instruction help
Your fitting sets cleat position based on the structure of your feet, and we work with you on the height and rotation of the handlebars and the position of the brakes and shifters. Every touch point is dialed in to your range of motion and riding style, so your weight is balanced and no single area takes all the pressure. We also help you understand how proper form and pedaling technique can alleviate these issues and increase your performance.
See what other riders say in our bike fitting reviews.
Book a fitting
A fitting and technique instruction session is $350. It takes 2.5 to 3 hours and includes a follow-up session. Fittings are held at Free Flite Bicycles (Sandy Springs and Marietta, on Canton Road) and at Bob’s Bikes in Homewood, AL, near Birmingham.
Call 404.432.5841 or email eddie@cycletechniques.com to schedule.
A bike fit addresses your position on the bike. It is not a substitute for medical care. If pain or numbness continues off the bike, gets worse, or comes with swelling, see a doctor or physical therapist.
