Hand Cramps

[Jordan #241]

I find that after not even a half our of mx, my hands cramp up badly, to the point where I must stop for a while. What can I do to stop this?

[Woody_393]

Is it an arm pump type of cramping?

[Jordan #241]

im not sure, how can i tell?

[Woody_393]

Well for starters you for-arms pump up and are harder than a rock, which in turn makes you hands pretty much useless.

[crfjedi393]

It could very easily be from gripping the bars too tight. Ride a few laps at about 60-70% and focus on your grip. Grip only as tight as you need to. And completely relax your grip each and every time you are in the air. It may even help to work your fingers like you're giving a "little girl" wave. Learning to run with a relaxed grip is one of the paramount things to learn about MX. Your hands are actually the "third" contact point with the bike. Feet and knees come ahead of hands.

[Jordan #241]

OK well woody it isnt arm pump related then.

[Jordan #241]

Thanks jedi im gonna try that my next ride. Also, could it be my grips? Because my hands are on the larger side, so should i get bigger ones like the pro taper synergy?

[low430]

Originally Posted by Jordan #241

Thanks jedi im gonna try that my next ride. Also, could it be my grips? Because my hands are on the larger side, so should i get bigger ones like the pro taper synergy?

You might need to develop your grip also try some grip training. No matter what you do your going to get forearm pump if your not in proper shape

[Woody_393]

I would certainly look at the grips. I don't have big hands necessarily, but I like larger grips my self. The synergy are ones I've heard good things about though I've not tried. The tag grips are my favorite.

[jc6711]

Originally Posted by Woody_393

I would certainly look at the grips. I don't have big hands necessarily, but I like larger grips my self. The synergy are ones I've heard good things about though I've not tried. The tag grips are my favorite.

Yes, my other bike had bigger grips wich i was used to and liked better, now on my new bike they are smaller and make my hands hurt more.

[MPera669]

try keeping ur elbows up higher i had the same problem and that helped me

[Oklahomarider]

Try also gripping the bike more with your legs. This will assist your hands in holding on to the bike.

[Ride.221]

Originally Posted by Jordan #241

I find that after not even a half our of mx, my hands cramp up badly, to the point where I must stop for a while. What can I do to stop this?

Oh dear. I have this same problem, too...especially if I haven't ridden in a few days. I am not quite sure why this happens. You may try adjusting your clutch and your front brake higher up. Your hands may have to strain to reach them if you have them down lower. I raised mine up and that seemed to help some. Also, this is going to sound ridiculous- but here goes...I found these hand workout thingys at the Dollar Tree. They come two to a box for a buck and you basically just squeeze them together- it's kinda rough, and you can only do it so many times before it wears you out, lol, but I use these just before I go riding and not only does it help my thumb not to cramp from using the throttle, but it helps lighten the strain on my hands quite a bit. That is what I would suggest first and foremost. Unless of course you have arthritis or something along that line- in which case- you may want to ask a doctor about some pain meds We shouldn't have something as simple as this slow us down now huh?! Best of luck to you!

H3LiX

[Ride.221]

Originally Posted by Jordan #241

I find that after not even a half our of mx, my hands cramp up badly, to the point where I must stop for a while. What can I do to stop this?

Also...I bought these news grips for my quad...they're called 'Moto Death Grips'- I think they have them for dirt bikes, too. I got a pair for like $16 or something like that. They have skulls as the stumps to keep your hands in place, only they make it bigger...hard to explain, but you should definitely try it. They look gnarly, too. It eliminated the muscle strain almost completely. They do not come with grip glue, but you can get some by Scott for like $2 or something. Good luck!




P.S, I found a link to price them if you're interested:
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

[Jordan #241]

Ya i just bought similar grips called Pro Taper Synergy, the only difference is they use little pillows instead of skulls. I tried em out yesterday, and they seem to help a bit.

[Ride.221]

Man, I'll tell you what... I had a heck of a time riding yesterday. I rode from 12:30pm until about 8pm straight- no breaks and my hands felt like they were just going to fall off. Literally. That's what I get for riding on impulse, lol. Hope you're having better luck with those new grips.

[Jordan #241]

y athose grips so far are pretty good, ill get to really test them out when i go up north this wednesday.