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So turns out that I've fractured both wrists. Once a few weeks back and once yesterday.
I didn't realise a few weeks back that I had a fracture, I hoped/assumed it was a sprain and didn't want to burden the NHS. After an off yesterday and similar pain in my other wrist, I thought I'd get things checked out.
So, a cast and perhaps surgery on my freshly-fractured wrist. Some physio on the mainly-healed wrist which still has some pain as it wasn't correctly splinted/cast or whatever.
Bad timing doing both at once but my question is about wrist straps. I used to play street hockey and wore wrist guards for every match. I see 661 do some for mountain bikers so does anyone have any feedback at all? Heat/mobility/effectiveness and so on?
I got the Troy Lee wrist brace to use in Morzine as my wrist wasn't 100% after an off. I tried it out for a few local rides before I went and I wasn't sure how comfortable it was. After about 30 seconds into the first decent in Morzine I'd forgotten about it and didn't notice it for the reminder of the trip. It did its job so I was happy with my purchase. I think during the local rides I was just concentrating on how the wrist brace felt and it was always going to be odd after never using one before. So as soon as I had something else to concentrate on it disappeared.
Edit: It was warm and sunny when we went and I didn't notice any extra heat or sweat from wearing it.
I did my wrist a few years ago and used a 661 brace for a few months whilst it healed. As above, you can feel it when you put it on but soon forget about it when riding.
Worth a shot then, thanks both. Much appreciated.
I’m getting back from a fractured scaphoid In January and been trying out various options. I’d had the 661 strap from an off a few years back and am using that without the two inserts over a neat compression sleeve that I got off eBay. That’s got a further strap around the wrist for extra support but is still slight enough to fit under a glove. I’d struggled to find the TLD one in stock anywhere but will have another look as that appears to have more support along the forearm. Hope you heal fast @eyestwice.
Thanks @gonetothehills. Good to hear that you're back out riding. From my perspective, the worst part of being off the bike - apart from the obvious - is that I have a set of V4s turning up next week. So I can fit them but not enjoy them!
Do you happen to have a link for the eBay sleeve (or something similar if you can't find the exact one)?
After a cursory glance, the only place I've found that has both left/right 661s is Winstanleys. There don't seem to be many (any?) other options - having also looked for TLD - but thankfully I'm not in a rush... If you do happen across any then it'd be greatly appreciated but please don't go out of your way.
I got some good use from the 661 Wrist Wrap after I fractured my wrist, both for comfort/support and also for a bit of peace of mind in the event of crashes. Nothing gamechanging but it was definitely worth it. It's definitely on the simpler/more basic end and I did find it caused some circulation and pressure issues if I wore it too long, so maybe there's better but I liked it.
@eyestwice - have a search on eBay for item 223638322378. It’s a Chinese supplier I think but stock came quickly from a UK warehouse. A bit like @northwind says, it’s more for peace of mind and I’ve no idea of any medical claims or benefits but it definitely feels better riding with it on! I investigated the more expensive MX style braces, even tried one out but it actually made it more uncomfortable. I suspect the ultimate remedies will be a) time and b) physio... Best of luck with it all!
I used these exercises and it helped me:
https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=bo1655
Chain Reaction have the right Troy Lee in stock in small and medium. Tredz say stock in in 7-8 days for the small left.
Not bike specific, but check out weight lifting wrist straps, I've used them when I've had wrist problems, they add a lot of support and stop you overextending. Easy to adjust tension as they are elastic and you just wrap then as tight as you need.
https://www.strengthshop.co.uk/sleeves-wraps/wrist-wraps.html
I have a fairly messed up wrist from a bad crash a few years ago. Fortunately now, it doesn't give me much grief when riding - mostly when I forget to change my fork from a 'race' setup to every day normal riding setup.
At the time, I was really struggling to ride with it however. I tried a load of different braces, most of which were useless. Got recommended one of the ASD braces, which I tried & it was absolutely brilliant. They are eye wateringly expensive. But it meant I could ride my bike at 3 months post injury & without it, I couldn't even hold onto the bars. It was the only one I could use & get my wrist in a relatively natural position (to me).
All the others forced me to ride in a really rigid position with my arm in a weird place. It totally screwed up my riding for a while, even now I notice myself subconsciously doing it sometimes.
Anyway, they fetch good money second hand so despite the initial outlay, the overall cost it fairly small 🙂
I brought a 661 from Chain Reaction years ago and have used it on and off ever since. I’ve started using it on every ride for probably a year now as years of racing have taken their toll. I don’t even notice it as it is so comfortable and light. The Velcro is showing it’s age but otherwise it does exactly what I want it to. Get one now. I’ve got a left hand one but you’ll need both of course. Good luck mate
I have a badly damaged left wrist from a crash ten years ago. I initially tried a 661 support which was better than nothing but I found it bulky and it didn't feel like it would help if I crashed again as it wasn't very secure.
I ended up buying an Allsports Dynamics OH2 brace, very expensive but it's been worth every penny as I no longer think about my wrist when riding mtb (I will still get pain on a road ride where I don't wear the brace).
Overall I would suggest buying a cheap brace for starters, if you are unlucky enough to have ongoing issues then you should seriously consider a more expensive option.
I have one from Lloyds pharmacy, cane with aluminium splints, took them out and replaced with plastic, a shorter one than originally on the palm side.
Flexible but stiff enough for support.
Bit like dc1988, I had a serious arm/wrist injury a decade ago, plated, pinned and pretty knackered. It's still much weaker than the other wrist and I felt it was contributing to crashes as I was collapsing on that side. I have a 661 Wrist Wrap but found it a bit restrictive and uncomfortable. Bought a Mobius X8 recently which is really comfortable and feels like it's offering decent support. Paid £115 on Amazon Marketplace, so not cheap but definitely worth it IMO.