Neutral handlebars and shifter/brakes

[capner2112]

A friend of mine had some major surgery on her wrist and now must maintain a neutral position with her wrists. This presents a problem for her ability to ride her mountain bike. Her current set-up has rapid-rise grip shifters and standard brake levers.

I want to modify the handlebars so her hands are neutral as much as possible for riding, braking and shifting, particularly a handlebar extension style setup almost like driving a car. I am open to ideas of what options are possible and also cost-effective.

[Bill]

I really can't help ya too much here but maybe offer this idea, think she could ride an adult trike for a while? They are not fast but they would let her ride without much difficulty.

[JohnV]

Also, look into recumbent bikes or trikes. Neither of them put any pressure on the wrists, back or neck. My wife has a recumbent trike and it's like going for a ride in a lounge chair, but be ready to spend $1,000.00 + for one.

[DaveM]

You might want to look at "mustache" style bars like these: http://www.rivbike.com/products/show/nitto-dove-bar/16-123

Most mtn bikes put you fairly stretched out. You may want to set her up with bar/stem that puts her hands closer so less weight is on her wrists.

You can do creative stuff with bar ends. But I'm not a big fan of bar set ups where your hands are not directly on the brakes for hopefully obvious reasons.