Reaching the break levers on a drop bar
07-07-16, 08:04 PM
#1
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Reaching the break levers on a drop bar
One problem I have seen for people with smaller hands is adequately reaching the shifter/break levers. Women in particular have smaller hands then men and I have noticed there can be some difficulty reaching around the break levers when in the drops and even from the hoods. On Shimano there's an adjustment screw to close these in a bit. I have not tried this adjustment yet so I don't know how much range there is to move the break lever. It would seem that this has to be a common problem?
07-07-16, 10:45 PM
#2
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Yup. Distance to the levers will vary with the design of the bars for one thing. For information about the levers themselves and their adjustments, google "brake levers for small hands road bike" without the quotes of course.
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07-10-16, 05:52 PM
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Yes, it is a common issue. The shape of the handlebar has a lot to do with it too. But SRAM has had reach adjustment screws from the onset, and Shimano used little rubber shims before migrating to screws over the last couple of years.
07-11-16, 11:04 AM
#4
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the economics of simpler brake levers allowed an Alternate small hands version to be Made ,
But Brifters including the shift mech inside made that un realistic..
Rubber wedges offer a quick way to keep the lever from swinging fully open,
So to remain a closer reach. Often included in new Bikes, Maybe they were not included ?
Ask your LBS if they have them collected in a Bin.
But Brifters including the shift mech inside made that un realistic..
Rubber wedges offer a quick way to keep the lever from swinging fully open,
So to remain a closer reach. Often included in new Bikes, Maybe they were not included ?
Ask your LBS if they have them collected in a Bin.
07-12-16, 05:33 AM
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install interrupter brakes?
07-12-16, 05:51 PM
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I've often wondered if an aluminium wedge-shaped shim with the transverse curve to fit the bar could be use under the brake lever body to angle the entire brake lever forward a bit. Hte high end of the wedge wouldn't hsaveto be that thick. I'd make the wedge the same size as the brake lever body plus a bit more so the body wouldn't slip off the wedge when the brake lever mounting bolt is tightened. Of course i'd have a hole in the wedge for the brake lever body to go through. With that you'd be able to modify the reach of Brifters or Ergos.
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