my numb hands

[ivanhendrez]

I’ve been struggling with numbness in my fingers while cycling for quite some time. A friend recommended the Cardiff G.O.A.T. Gloves, so I finally decided to give them a try and picked up a pair from a nearby shop. After a few rides, I can honestly say they’ve made a noticeable difference. The fit feels natural, the padding is just right, and the numbness in my hands has been reduced a lot compared to my old gloves. I know bike fit plays a big role in comfort, but for anyone dealing with similar hand issues, these gloves might be worth checking out. Has anyone else here tried the Cardiff G.O.A.T. Gloves, or do you have other go-to gloves that helped with numbness?
   

[Jesper]

You neglected to inform us of what type of gloves (padded/unpadded), if any, you were previously using. How long did you ride before numbness set in? What type of riding surface?

Since those "goat" gloves are unpadded and goat hide is fairly thin it seems a bit counterintuitive that just a layer of goat skin is absorbing much vibration (though some vibration damping is better than none). I prefer uncushioned bar wrap, but ride with handmade gloves of my own design (goat skin left over from making my drum heads) padded with 2-3 layers (depends on actual thickness and flex) of skin versus a single layer thus providing more vibration damping at the palm and better protection to the the backside. Most synthetic gloves do not hold up very well, but my 35 yr old leather (2 layer) palm/cotton mesh gloves are still viable after untold miles. I will say this; do not buy Specialized brand gloves, as they do not last but for a couple of aggressive rides and are overpriced at that.

If you properly maintain leather cycling gloves they will last decades.
I prefer full finger leather gloves (road and off-road); you'll know why after your first hand injury to unprotected fingers or where synthetic material just disintegrates with any degree of abrasion.

You should also regularly change hand position to help circulation and prevent tissue/nerve damage. Riding position and posture will also affect your hand/wrist.

Reducing tire pressure (while keeping within manufacturer's specs) can help quite a bit; especially if not riding in an aero position with more weight on hands. If riding in an aero position you are probably using much smaller tires which are spec'd at higher pressures (generally 90-120 psi or higher; regularly run 140psi) and you defeat the purpose so change to a wider tire with lower pressur specs. Also, running high pressure tires at a lower pressure (again, while still remaining within specs) affects handling/safety, and tire wear/longevity) so I advise against it, and the effect of doing so probably won't be felt to the degree that pain and numbness will dissipate to any extent.

[meamoantonio]

(10-07-2025, 02:45 PM)Jesper Wrote:  You neglected to inform us of what type of gloves (padded/unpadded), if any, you were previously using. How long did you ride before numbness set in? What type of riding surface?

Since those "goat" gloves are unpadded and goat hide is fairly thin it seems a bit counterintuitive that just a layer of goat skin is absorbing much vibration (though some vibration damping is better than none). I prefer uncushioned bar wrap, but ride with handmade gloves of my own design (goat skin left over from making my drum heads) padded with 2-3 layers (depends on actual thickness and flex) of skin versus a single layer thus providing more vibration damping at the palm and better protection to the the backside. Most synthetic gloves do not hold up very well, but my 35 yr old leather (2 layer) palm/cotton mesh gloves are still viable after untold miles. I will say this; do not buy Specialized brand gloves, as they do not last but for a couple of aggressive rides and are overpriced at that.

If you properly maintain leather cycling gloves they will last decades.
I prefer full finger leather gloves (road and off-road); you'll know why after your first hand injury to unprotected fingers or where synthetic material just disintegrates with any degree of abrasion.

You should also regularly change hand position to help circulation and prevent tissue/nerve damage. Riding position and posture will also affect your hand/wrist. Reducing tire pressure (while keeping within manufacturer's specs) can help quite a bit; especially if not riding in an aero position with more weight on hands.

I ride bare handed too for some reason I feel "more connected" to my bike and yes bar tape does most of the vibration dampening so thick cushy cork ones are my go to favorites

[Flowrider]

I ride here on the Sunshine Coast in Australia with gloves on due to the humidity. Reason being was that I crashed once as my sweaty palm slipped off the grip.

I've not had any numbness in my hand or fingers; however, I'm curious if the numbness is due to the gloves or your riding posture. Specifically, the angle of your wrist. Is your riding set-up correct?

[meamoantonio]

(10-13-2025, 01:15 AM)Flowrider Wrote:  I ride here on the Sunshine Coast in Australia with gloves on due to the humidity. Reason being was that I crashed once as my sweaty palm slipped off the grip.

I've not had any numbness in my hand or fingers; however, I'm curious if the numbness is due to the gloves or your riding posture. Specifically, the angle of your wrist. Is your riding set-up correct?

you get numb hands usually if you're front heavy on your bike, meaning more weight than usual is supported by your arms versus your core and butt. 60% of your weight should be supported by your front and 40% at the back if you get numb hands that means you have gone passed 60ish%. hope this helps!

[ReapThaWhirlwind]

I use mechanix gloves, but typically the reason for numbness is due to your stem being too low and/or too short.

I use silicone grips to offset numbness, and the thicker ones work really well. Black Ops and ESI Chunky/Super Chunky.

I'm currently using Specialized silicone grips and they do work.

You should consider increasing your stem length by 10mm or so though and/or go to 10~17 degree rise to improve the bike fit if the numbness is really bothering you.

[Flowrider]

And another advantage of raising your stem @ivanhendrez, well, for me anyway, is the positive effect it had on my neck.

I'm more upright now on rides, and I don't have the ache during and after my rides that I used to have before I raised it.

[rydabent]

Again, I would point out that this doesnt happen on bents and trikes. Maybe it is time for a change in what you ride.

[JJMarsh]

(10-03-2025, 04:46 PM)ivanhendrez Wrote:  I’ve been struggling with numbness in my fingers while cycling for quite some time. A friend recommended the Cardiff G.O.A.T. Gloves, so I finally decided to give them a try and picked up a pair from a nearby shop. After a few rides, I can honestly say they’ve made a noticeable difference. The fit feels natural, the padding is just right, and the numbness in my hands has been reduced a lot compared to my old gloves. I know bike fit plays a big role in comfort, but for anyone dealing with similar hand issues, these gloves might be worth checking out. Has anyone else here tried the Cardiff G.O.A.T. Gloves, or do you have other go-to gloves that helped with numbness?

For hand numbness, also make sure your bike fit is dialed in - sometimes adjusting handlebar height or saddle position can make a bigger difference than any gear.

[I Like To Bike]

Yep, my hands used to ache when I rode any decent distance as a kid. I found myself trying to sit up straighter and hold on to the grips by the finger tips. Kid-me never thought to get an adult to adjust my bike or learn how to do it himself.

[GirishH]

I wear cheap synthetic gloves I found in Nepal — not because my hands get numb, but for protection in case of a spill. I keep most of my skin covered except my fingers, since the gloves are half-fingered. I also sweat a lot, so I prefer open gloves to full ones.

The only downside was during colder sections of the Himalayas — the metal brake levers became too cold to touch. That’s the one time I wished I had full gloves or some kind of plastic or rubber sleeve over the levers. :-(

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[Jesper]

(11-01-2025, 03:20 AM)GirishH Wrote:  I wear cheap synthetic gloves I found in Nepal — not because my hands get numb, but for protection in case of a spill. I keep most of my skin covered except my fingers, since the gloves are half-fingered. I also sweat a lot, so I prefer open gloves to full ones.

The only downside was during colder sections of the Himalayas — the metal brake levers became too cold to touch. That’s the one time I wished I had full gloves or some kind of plastic or rubber sleeve over the levers. :-(

A pair of cotton work gloves work great. They fit over the cycling gloves and prevent direct contact with the levers though they provide a little wind chill protection, but you can get insulated work gloves for better cold weather protection. Neither are expensive ($5-$15) and can be found in many stores.

Another option is to use vinyl lever covers if your set up allows for it. They also provode better grip in wet weather. I've also laced some scrap leather as covers, but time consuming to do. I still have old covers for vintage levers; but for newer levers I have copied a colleague of mine who modifies vinyl caps for use in the same manner without affecting shifting on newer designs and work fine for older designs also; plus they look good if done correctly.