I changed bikes last summer and from measurements the cockpit is very similar to the old bike. Cotic Solaris Mk1, medium 90mm stem, layback post to a Solaris Max LS large with 35mm stem. Same Ergon grips.
I've been suffering from my fingers/hands going numb so much so I'm unable to use my thumb to change gear!
This is mostly when working hard on prolonged fire road climbs and also when again working hard over technical terrain (flat/climbing). I've tried playing around with stem height, bar sweep, saddle position etc but can't seem to resolve it?
From what I can determine, I think I'm crouching/pulling on bars when climbing/working hard with my hands/arms taking my body weight?
Should I make myself more upright or conversely push my saddle back to make my core take more of the weight? Or something else altogether?
Thanks
Unusual for numbness to strike so quickly, normally it's a prolonged rides that bring it on. Really hard to state/suggest what it might be. Your hands shouldn't be taking much body weight, any pressure through your hands should be for control.
I had a mk1 solaris with ridgid forks. Did find it quite low at the front and hands were getting numb. Also running ergon grips (gp2) what I found helped was to sit on the seat in riding position and lift hands slightly off bars.....if you find your core body strength is not enough to support your position (i.e you naturally fall forward) then position bars higher. Spacers under stem give small adjustment but what sorted it for me was a slight riser bar with backsweep to get the best position. Rotate the ergon grips so the pads feel good when hovering over the seat (I tend to spend a lot of my riding off the seat so if you stomp and stand then this helps).
Try moving your saddle forward so the weight is more over the centre and tilt the nose down. You may be trying to pull yourself forward rather than letting the bike support you. For seated climbing I think you want a light touch on the bars even when it's steep. You should only need to wrestle the bike when the climb is really lumpy IME