Pins and Needles in the Fingers

Question:
I have two road bikes both set the same , on my summer bike i get pins and needles in my fingers after about 1 hour , it does not last long but returns, also back of my neck aches as well, this is only just happening. Any clues as what is wrong?

Hi Terry,

When people have written in with similar problems they have only one bike and it is set up wrong and needed some small adjustments and this will probably be the same with you, Terry.

When other riders have this problem I suggest they go to a chiropractor or similar, usually the problem is not caused by the bike, but by too much computer work or too much driving etc. In Terry's case this is unlikely as he has two bikes and one is fine and other is causing the problem.

First compare both your bikes and make sure that the handlebars, saddle and brake levers are all set at the same heights and positions, making special attention to the handle bars as you are having the problems in your hands and neck. The pins and needles are probably coming from a trapped nerve in you neck, so if the handle bars or brake levers are lower, closer or further away from the saddle then the angle of your arms from your shoulders is different and your head will also be in a different position so the neck will be bent more (or less), and your body/spine is in a different position so causing the problem. It doesn't need much for this to happen, the brake levers are where we rest our hands a lot of the time when cycling and this is a good place to start, if the brake levers are too far down the bars you will be stretching your arms too much, this is the same if the handle bars are to low or the stem is too long. It's all to do with the positioning of the hands and its affect on your position. So get the measuring tape out and check over your position.