Originally Posted by
CliffordK
Shimano has some method to adjust how far the brifters stick out.
With the older ones, there was a wedge that was inserted, I think. The newer ones may do the same with an adjustment screw. Look it up for your model of brakes.
Tried shims on my wife's road bike that was previous generation Sora. The shims bring the lever closer to the drops but does nothing to change the effort to brake from hoods. Ended up converting her bike to flat bars and she was happier with that. She's a casual rider. Shimano made women specific brifters for a short time but nearly impossible to find them now. Sram levers have adjustment to bring the lever closer to the drops but not sure if that changes the amount of effort needed to brake from drops. Newer Shimano might have these adjustments but I haven't looked into it in a while