Question: I suffer from numb hands. I’ve tried gel gloves and had my riding position checked, but there’s been no improvement. I think it’s from the way I hold my hands on the bar — usually grasping the brake hoods. Any suggestions? — Hank P. Coach Fred Matheny Replies: Keeping hands in one position for long…
Question: For several months I’ve been plagued with “hot feet,” pain in the balls of my feet starting after several thousand-mile months this summer. Maybe that’s too much mileage for a 65-year-old, but I’ve never experienced it before. I’ve changed pedals, put cushioned insoles in my shoes, moved the cleats as far to the rear…
Question: I had a back operation but my physician says riding is fine. But after 20 miles my left foot goes numb. If I get off the bike for a few minutes, the numbness goes away but quickly returns. Strangely, if I’m climbing it doesn’t seem to bother me as much. What gives? — Byron…
Question: My ankles hurt after rides, but I don’t know if it’s due to my pedaling form, lack of stretching or a bike-fit issue. I’ve even thought it could be caused by my Shimano shoe/Look pedal combination. Any ideas? — Jeffrey S. Coach Fred Matheny Replies: Cycling can hurt ankles in several places. The pain…
Question: My wife is on a diet that isn’t especially radical but it does emphasize protein over carbohydrate. I’m a relatively serious cyclist (2,000 miles per year) and during the cycling season I follow a high-carbohydrate diet. Would switching to my wife’s high-protein diet help or hinder my cycling performance? —Jim B. Coach Fred Mantheny…
