Originally Posted by
Earl Grey
Thank you for all the suggestions.
I admit that I hadn't even considered electronic, and honestly, probably won't go that route. The most likely frame is the Soma San Marcos because it's one of the few I can find where the geometry doesn't get really funky on the smallest frame sizes. Electronic shifting on a Petersen-designed frame would probably cause a tear in the space-time continuum.
Does Gevenalle help here? I've read some people complain that the long sweep of the shifters is actually more awkward with the Gevenalle than STI-style, though the motion for a single rear shift is smaller. If the RL340 and 341 blades were identical - which I don't think they are, though I can try to find out - it might be possible to splice together an RL341 body with Gevenalle Audax blades, since I believe they start out with an RL340.
Hadn't considered bar-tops (with thumbies), that's an interesting idea. Also did not know that the 11-speed Shimano stuff had reach adjustment and shorter throws.
Good to have some more options to consider, in any case.
Don't supposed anyone has a ride report specifically on the small version of the Microshifts?
This tread got my attention, Lisa has similar issues (short with small hands). She's using the Shimano STI with shims and it's OK. Any updates on this project?
I just set up a bike with the Gevenalle, a drop-bar Pugsely. I like the shifters, but they are designed for CX. I don' think I'd like them for a road bike because you do not have access to the shifters from the hooks or drops. If I were to set up a road bike without integrated shifters, I'd go with the bar-end option.
Additionally, Lisa is shopping a new road bike this spring, and I like the electronic option (except it's price). The other thought, are there youth specific integrated shifters?
/rambling