Arm pump

[crofrog]

Originally Posted by pingvin

I'm, trying...but still end up hanging in bars a bit. It helps leaning but doesn't eliminate it. Maybe LegPegs will

Lean forward more!

[pingvin]

Amazed by the response, thanks everyone!

Originally Posted by AlsoRan

A second thing is the handle bar position. You said that your elbows fall back down. Roll the handlebars so that the ends are pointed slightly "up". If the bars are too far forward by doing this then get some different bars to insure at least flat across the bar ends. Think of a bench press where everything has to be in-line to lift maximum weight. Elbows are not at the sides. This will take pressure off your wrists and hands. Try it and see.

OK, will try...thanks!

Originally Posted by VxZeroKnots

Yup, go do a couple of laps, hold your hands above your head and shake them to get all the lactic acid out, repeat.

OK, haven't heard this before but assume have an effect or you wouldn't mention it.

Originally Posted by Valker

If your health allows, take a couple of real aspirin and a Niacin supplement about an hour before riding begins.

OK, will try...anything as long as allowes me to ride

Originally Posted by crofrog

Focus on the core muscles not the grip, the issue isn't grip strength but the fact that you're hanging on in the first place the core is what lets you be relaxed on the bars.

Fix the problem, not the symptoms. makes sense.

Originally Posted by crofrog

More importantly pinch the seat/tank with your legs, try turning your toes in so they're pointing into the center of the bike, this forces your knees to grip.

Trying...

Originally Posted by crofrog

Without confidence there's almost no chance you aren't gripping to hard..

Yes, think maybe improving technique is the one single most important thing, really a must. Fortunately have a buddy that is mx trainer and he'll help me with basic technique riding eights around tyres etc, starting rom scratch.

Originally Posted by crofrog

Pointless (quick action throttle). Just overgrip the throttle.

Well, that's one of the gadgets I really do feel makes a difference and see no downsides. Easy job too.

Originally Posted by crofrog

I'd not say pointless (Leg Pegs), but the biggest thing that helped me is _ anticipating_ what the bike is going to do. If you're about to get on the throttle lean forward into it _before_ you whack the gas open get your head over the number plate. About to bounce on the brakes get your weight back. Make sure you're pinching the entire time.

Will take them off when get that good, promise

Originally Posted by crofrog

Lean forward more!

Trying...one day I'll get there!

[crofrog]

Originally Posted by pingvin

Well, that's one of the gadgets I really do feel makes a difference and see no downsides. Easy job too.

The downside is trying to ride in limited traction situations fine throttle control is needed whenever the going get's tough.

Try to ride some gnarly uphill or snotty single track and see where that quick turn throttle puts ya :)

The trick to going full throttle is the re-grip / overgrip. When you're getting ready to go full throttle over grip the throttle and pin it. This lets you keep your elbow's up and allows you to stay in the attack position.

[effensteve]

More porn, my arms never get tired now

[Ceri JC]

What works for me:
Best way of delaying the onset of arm pump that I have found is to do a set of push ups until failure, every morning, for a few months leading up to a long/challenging ride. I don't doubt there are better, lengthier fitness regimes, but for me, less than two minutes before a shower I was going to take anyway was a sacrifice I found easy enough to make that I actually bothered to do it 95% of the time.

I am no sport scientist and someone will probably be along to tell me this is BS, but it worked for me.

Conversely, I found that last time I hit the trails, when I had been lazy and severely neglected the push ups in the three months running up to that particular ride, that I suffered from arm pump far more than usual.

Update: Went for the first proper trail ride since last time (when I had been lazy) yesterday. I'd been back at the pushups for only two weeks. Even in that short space of time, no arm pump at all. If anything was aching it was my calves and thighs, but that was probably from ice skating the day before.

[PeterW]

Originally Posted by Ceri JC

What works for me:
Best way of delaying the onset of arm pump that I have found is to do a set of push ups until failure, every morning, for a few months leading up to a long/challenging ride. I don't doubt there are better, lengthier fitness regimes, but for me, less than two minutes before a shower I was going to take anyway was a sacrifice I found easy enough to make that I actually bothered to do it 95% of the time.

I am no sport scientist and someone will probably be along to tell me this is BS, but it worked for me.

Conversely, I found that last time I hit the trails, when I had been lazy and severely neglected the push ups in the three months running up to that particular ride, that I suffered from arm pump far more than usual.

"Me too"

Until failure might be a bit harsh, but doing a lot of sets until tired every day for a couple of weeks is THE quick cheap fix.

The other points about ergonomics of the bike are also valid, but getting the muscle tone up makes a massive difference.

Pete

[corndog67]

When I had issues with arm pump, it was because I was hanging on too tight. Also, out of shape. But I used to be able to haul ass all day long, now, at 51, there is no way I can ride like I used to. How old are you? 71? 31? Makes a big difference. Handle bar bend might be an issue, too. Also, peg/bar/seat relationship.

[211john]

I had problems with arm pump until I re-sprung the bike for my weight. On a DRZ400 with the stock springs I felt like I was riding up hill all the time. Just standing while riding on level ground gave me arm pump. I got the correct springs front and rear and set the sag. No more arm pump.