The big issue I have with electronic shifting is the lack of triples crank options that are not custom blends of road and mountain components with a hacked cpu. Gear range and ratio gaps is a big deal for some who have ridden well set up triples for decades.

I look at the Dia Comp guidonnet levers and the first thing I think of, which is the same for highly shimmed drop bar levers, is the amount of cable pull before the levers bottom out against the bars. Back in the day these types of levers didn't have cable pull concerns to anywhere the same degree of today's brake calipers/linear pulls do.

As I said before bar end shift levers are a great option. They free up the brake lever choices from having to handle the shifting too. Andy.

Guidonnet Levers and Randonneur bars work well together as the bar bends Up from the center, and the top curve, level, is quite comfortable .

The Brake would be a short pull ... center pull or A side pull type.

The price isn't an issue?? A set of the cheapest Di2 shift levers would cost as much as the vintage bike I would be putting it on - and at least four times the cost of new Dia Compe BLs and new bar ends. Of course the ratio would be lower on a new bike. I do understand, however, that keeping the missus happy has no price limit.

This thread really got the gerbil wheel in my skull spinning.

The more I think about it, the Campi shifters are the best option for small hands. One issue Lisa struggles with on the Shimano is shifting up to the big chain-ring. It's a lot of work for her to get leverage with short fingers. The Campi shifters offer a ratchet action, allowing smaller movements without back-sliding.

As a footnote: I ride 4 different drop-bar bikes, each with a different shifter:
Pugsley - Gevenalle GX
Kona Dew Drop - Shimano 2203
Felt Z85 - Shimano 105 STI
Mondonico - Campagnolo Mirage ErgoPower

But I have typical sized hands, so most every option works for me.

for anyone reading this today, the r9 from microshift are incredibly long and not suitable for small hands. They sell shims but it only reduces reach by 10mm.

It’s hard to tell online. So just a heads up before you spend money. I’m 5’6 and a small to medium hand glove size, and I need 2 inches in on them.

yes lever position, etc. Nothing helped. I think because they are a cheaper line from microshift? Not sure why they only make them in giant human size. Very sad.

If e shifting was offered in a system that I liked (3x9, cable brakes) the price would only be a matter of time to save up the cost. But since there isn't a drop bar e system that has these specs the price to me is less the issue. Andy

Microshift makes a 'short reach' version of the R9. I put these on my son's bike. At the time he was < 5'. I never heard any complaints.

Another option would be the Shimano ST3300 which came in 7 and 8 speed varieties. These had a reach adjustment screw, and also they are fairly slim. It's easier to wrap your fingers around the grip.
The ST-R2000 and St-R3000 also have adjustment screws, but they are less slim. They have a more modern fitment where your whole hand is supposed to fit on top of the brifter grip.

You like Campy Athena? The question is does she like Campy Athena.

Shimano makes STI's for smaller hands. Don't know if you'll be able to have her find them. It's not something I'd expect to find anywhere to try.

However height is probably a way poorer way to judge hands size than bike size. So maybe just the stroke and position adjustments that many Shimano STI's have will give a grip that she likes.

Remember when looking for her, it's not about you or what you like.

All current levers by Shimano and SRAM have reach adjustment. Also handlebar bends with a deeper "belly" help bring the hand closer to the levers.