...
That said I didn't completely eliminate hand discomfort afterwards and my left pinkie is still a bit tingly. I put this down to the fact that hand only leaves the bars when signalling left and I don't move my hands around positions enough.
yes, I think moving hands around is very important. It's almost "natural" to slump into 1 fixed postion on very long rides, so it's worth making a conscious effort to avoid this (a bit like forcing yourself to drink more).
I *suspect* that moving hands around helps as much as fitting aero-bars.
(I know I move around *less* when using aero-bars, but that's apples-and-oranges stuff ... )
In PVP 2011 I had awfully numb hands.
I started Pilates then moved to yoga.
Initially I wanted a stronger 'core' as I thought that might help.. however yoga has helped me relax on the bike and maintain good form even when I'm tired.
But moving the hands is the key I think.
I use a traditional shaped handle bar
I have two 'on the hoods' hand positions one further back and the area next to the stem free from lights etc
I make a conscious effort to circulate these positions.
The long drop also gives me more hand positions than on my short drop handle bar .
Controversially I have stopped wearing gloves . If I feel pressure, it's my hand telling me to move.
I hope everyone recovers..in 2011 my hands were ok by December for numbness but took a little longer for a strong grip to return.