The Club

Have I said just how I adore my new bike? Much love and (insert much slush and soppiness)

We have been getting along wonderfully my bike(with no name) and I, going on wonderful adventures, picking up the miles, resisting signing up for too many sportives!

So yeah great. Then yesterday I noticed a dull ache at the base of my thumb, and thought hmm start of RSI? Then riding to work this morning I realised it must be due to my positioning on the bike. About town the majority of the time I'm riding on the hoods. I have to pull the brakes quite hard from there to come to a stop. If I was in the drop using the lower part of the brake there is less pressure needed to put them on. So my question here, should I put a thicker shim in (allowing more ease of the brakes - may mean less pressure), or do you think it may be my positioning? I have been riding quite a lot over the past few weeks.

Any hints or tips appreciated.

Oh anyone on Twitter? I have a cycling account there PuzzleCycles

Having a look around the web for any answers. I found the problem may be my thumbs are jammed up against the 'horns' on the hoods (Learning the lingo!)

If this helps in any answers.

I'd try tipping the bars back a gnats. On a touring rig it's usually comfier to have the bar ends pointing at the back axle rather than parallel to the ground. If you're experimenting with position do it SLOWLY a couple of mm at a time. Rushing at it tends to cause more pain!

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Puzzle, I'd second that - the problem is that you're putting more weight on the hoods than you're comfortable bearing.

Tilting the bars back brings the hoods up and closer a little.

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