Originally Posted by
DannoXYZ
DON'T set the pads close to the rims. Your hands have the most strength and control when they're closed. You should set the levers so they lock up the tyres just before the levers touch the bars.
DO set the pads as close as possible to the rims, for quick responce time and maximum gripping power.
If your hands are too small to get a good grip on the levers, then you can adjust those via the screw on the levers themselves and the barrel adjuster.
Are you using the correct type of brake lever for your type of brakes?
Some have different amounts of travel vs force.