HealthBee

As I wrote in my giant Get On your Bikes & Ride post about how to get started cycling after you haven’t for a while, I thought I’d go into some good reasons to save your pennies for good cycling shorts.

A good pair of cycling shorts is absolutely non-negotiable in my book. It takes cycling from a chore to a pleasure. Unfortunately, a good pair of bicycle pants could run you a cool $80, causing many people to balk at such a spend. Here’s 5 reasons why you DO want to spend the money.

1. Fit: A good pair of cycling shorts will fit the contours of your body. They won’t ride up your legs and bunch at the crotch, and they won’t rub you in the wrong places causing blisters.

2. Coverage: A good pair of cycling pants will cover your waist higher in the back so you *stay* covered when you are in the bent over cycling position. (Just say “no” to plumbers crack.)

3. NO Yeast Infections: Come on ladies, we’ve all suffered through a yeast infection. A good pair of cycling shorts will wick away moisture from our important parts to prevent this horrible ailment.

4. Flat stitching: a good pair of cycling shorts will have flat stitching to prevent rubbing on your skin, and, those seams will be placed such that you don’t get rubbed the wrong way.

5. They will last longer. Yes, a good pair of cycling pants, if cared for properly will give you years of riding. You really do get what you pay for.

For more information: How to choose Cycling Shorts

May I also recommend Bike Nashbar for a wonderful selection of all things cycling. They’ve got good prices, and the support is second to none.

This is an inflammation of the ulnar nerve, which is a major nerve in your arm their runs and your hand. Specifically, it is the part of the nerve around the elbow or the funny bone. It causes numbness, tingling, or pain in the arm and hand on the side of the little finger. In the biking world, we call this condition ‘handlebar palsy’. This is also called Cubital Tunnel Syndrome.

How Does Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Occur?

When the elbow is bent, the ulnar nerve may be stretched and push against the funny bone — the bony bump in your elbow. Over time, this can irritate the nerve.

Some activities that can damage the nerve include repetitive movements of the wrist such as typing or using a computer mouse. Other times and injury to the elbow may inflame the nerve. Many times, people may sleep with their elbows bent, which may aggravate the problem.

But for bicycle riders, handlebar palsy occurs due to repeated shocks or bouncing when your hand is holding on to the handlebars. Or the nerve may be stretched when held in a lower position of the drop handlebar for extended periods of time.

What Are the Symptoms?
The symptoms include numbness, tingling, or pain in the forearm or hand on the side of the little finger. This is different than carpal tunnel syndrome because carpal tunnel syndrome affects the hand on the thumb, pointer, and middle fingers and occurs when the ulnar nerve is irritated in the wrist area.

How is it Treated?

When you are bicycling, padded gloves may help relieve the situation. Also, try adjusting the position of your hands on the handlebar, such as by changing your group from the top to the sides.

• A doctor may suggest a over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as asperin, ibuprofen, naprosyn or ketoprofen. (Check with a doctor or pharmacist regarding side effects or drug interactions first before doing this on your own.)
• Massage the elbow with ice.
• Sometimes, a splint or brace may be is to keep the elbow from bending.
• Modify your posture during the day to avoid long periods of time with your elbow bent.

See also: Why do my hands go numb when I bicycle?

Because you’re putting pressure on the nerve that runs down your arm to your fingers. This can easily be prevented by buying a good pair of bicycle riding gloves. Also, consider shifting your hand position when you ride.
Numb hands are a common problem for cyclists, and there are many brands of gloves to alleviate the issue. You may need to pay twenty bucks or more for a good pair of gloves, but believe me, if you spend any time in the saddle at all, it is worth it to relieve the hand and arm ache.

For more information see: What is handlebarpalsy/ cubital tunnel syndrome?