VibrantGoo

I just bought my first road bike (with disc brakes, if that matters) and found that my right hand is not doing its job. Okay I am a finger amputee; on my right hand I have my thumb and a super strong pinky so braking while in the drops is difficult and on the hoods, impossible. Right now, I am only using the front brake but I can shift with my right hand with no issue - just can't squeeze the brake lever. Is there a thumb brake I can install or maybe have my left hand control all braking? I see someone mentioned an interrupter brake lever, but these are installed on the top on the bar. Any ideas would be helpful!

cale

I'm not able to recommend a appropriate retrofit but one braking technique that doesn't come naturally, but is super important nonetheless, is shifting your weight back when braking.

Road bikes are uniquely suited for sliding back, off the saddle, clenching the saddle between your thighs, and bracing your body against your arms/hands to resist the tendency of the bike to tip forward and allow maximum braking. If you can brace and hook your pinky, I think you can modulate that rear brake with practice. Aside from the benefit of a more stable braking position, the backward braced position, in addition, has the benefit of moving weight rearward and counteracting the tendency of the weight to shift forward. By adding weight back to the rear you load the tire (weight it) so that it will resist locking the wheel and add more to the braking effort.

I think disc brakes are well suited to anyone who is looking for the potential to consistently deliver a lot of braking force with a minimum of application/lever force.

A cyclist positioned perfectly to keep the rear wheel planted. Generally there's no need to go to such extreme measures. Haha

VibrantGoo

Thanks, I was unaware of this technique. I will be practicing this one.

soze

If throwing your weight back isn't sufficient, you might want to check out installing a cyclocross lever where you can get better leverage, or if you're feeling spendy, Paul Components makes a tiny brake lever. Recommend checking out all of these options before looking at more drastic options, like running both brakes off of one lever (like I have to).

Needles

Perhaps: Amazon.com : Origin8 Multi-Sport Bar End Levers, Black : Bike Brake Levers : Sports & Outdoors

fietsbob

A friction bar end shifter with little friction may let your palm thumb and pinky Pull the lever enough by rotating your wrist..

I have 1 old shimano Bar end shifter,its just got a balance spring in it .. that would be the type to use ,

a foreward facing ala Bull horn bar the thumb can push the lever forward , rear-ward facing, You pull it Up.

a top of the bar thumb shifter, you might be able to turn it like a faucet handle.

Needles

You could also change your rear wheel for an IGH with a coaster brake. I'm going to do this for the bike I just ordered. Tat one is a cruiser, but I'm going to be using it as an all-around town ride. I have weak grip in the fingers of my left hand, from an old motorcycle injury. My plan is to route the front brake to the right lever and use the coaster brake on the rear. I have a Shimano 7 speed hub on another wheelset.