Numb toes

stewt

Hi All,

Having been reading on the forum for a while and having now been back on the bikes for a couple of months, I've been suffering from numb toes after about 30-45 mins. This happens of both my Sirrus with clipless & my Trek mountain bike with flats, granted I have to ride at 8 on a Saturday morning and after during the week, so the cold and weather hasn't been the kindest of late. Had similar when I was training for London to Brighton a few years back.

I do wear cycle shorts with the 'padded pants'.

Can I ask for any ideas what could be causing this, short of the cold air!

Cheers
Stew

imposter2.0

stewt wrote:

I do wear cycle shorts with the 'padded pants'.

What's that got to do with having numb toes..?? Some idea of what you wear on your feet might be more useful...

nuggiebok

I get this too but it isn't to do with the cold. I get it wearing trainers in the gym at a spin class, and out on the road in my Scott spd clipless thingies. Feels like a circulation problem?

stewt

Footwear is either running trainers on the mountain bike, specialised mountain bike clip less shoes in the sirrus.

Was getting the numbness in a warm Saturday ride the other weekend, so not just the weather causing it.

I will be investing in some tights to see if that helps. If it's circulation, any changes to the bike to assist or should I drink more wine to thin the blood to aid flow :P

nuggiebok

I haven't found a solution :-( I just wiggle my toes until the feeling comes back. Are your shoes too tight? I think that might possibly be the cause of my numbness. Its not causing too much bother at the moment so not too fussed.

cswitch

Could saddle be reducing blood flow? Do you have a different saddle you could try? I admit blood flow and saddles is usually an under carriage matter but you never know.

deveng

I have had this in the past from over-tightening one shoe (smaller foot and I was over-compensating with the straps).

stewt

Thanks for your replies. With the warmer weather, I've still been getting numbness, although loosening shoes has helped.

I think circulation Is the right call. Calves stared to cramp up on my 24 mile road ride at 18mph, with a bit of numbness in toes before this.

I'm hoping the problem subsides as my fitness grows.
cheers

josehernandez

Out of interest stewt, do you have any issues with lower back pain ?

Stalin

stewt wrote:

Hi All,

Having been reading on the forum for a while and having now been back on the bikes for a couple of months, I've been suffering from numb toes after about 30-45 mins. This happens of both my Sirrus with clipless & my Trek mountain bike with flats, granted I have to ride at 8 on a Saturday morning and after during the week, so the cold and weather hasn't been the kindest of late. Had similar when I was training for London to Brighton a few years back.

I do wear cycle shorts with the 'padded pants'.

Can I ask for any ideas what could be causing this, short of the cold air!

Cheers
Stew

No one ever suffered from numb toes when they wore plimsolls.

Plimsolls were lighter than modern cycling shoes and more aerodynamic.

stewt

No lower back pain to speak of, other than the usual desk job stiffness.

Plimsolls may not grip to we'll on the clip less pedals, does it matter whether they are lace or slip-on?

Stalin

stewt wrote:

No lower back pain to speak of, other than the usual desk job stiffness.

Plimsolls may not grip to we'll on the clip less pedals, does it matter whether they are lace or slip-on?

Slip on plimsolls are more aero. Ditch the clipless pedals and switch to old fashioned quill pedals. Don't use clips and straps. Plimsolls grip fine. Plimsolls and quill pedals are not only lighter but more aero than cycling shoe and clipless pedals.

CRAIGO5000

I cured mine by changing footwear. I'm now wearing Bont Vaypors which have a great toe box and allow for your feet swell. You almost don't need to strap in your feet in as the heel retention is so good.

Try moving your cleats as far back as possible and do your usual ride.