[mahgnillig]

I got a Jamis Ventura Elite a few months ago, and I really like it. The only thing that bugs me is, unlike my mountain bikes (Avid levers), I can't adjust the distance my brake levers are from the bars (105 levers/shifters). I have very small hands, and have to kind of twist my wrists on the hoods in order to pull the brakes with any amount of force.... it's kinda awkward.

Has anyone else run into this problem? I read in my Zinn road bike book that pretty much the only way to solve this issue is by buying different levers or differently shaped bars. has anyone successfully solved an issue like this by buying different bars? (and if so, which ones?) Obviously I'd rather buy new bars than new levers, since it'd probably be cheaper.

Thanks,

- Jen.

 

[cthomas]

You may want to try these...

Specialized makes a shim that inserts into Shimano levers. You have to then adjust the brake cables, but I put these on my wife's bike as she had the same issue. These move the brake levers 2cm closer to the bars, so may solve your issue. Pretty inexpensive, so maybe worth a try. http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=14890

Shimano also makes an ultegra level shifter that is for smaller hands (the R600). You see the 9 speed versions on eBay alot for about $150 new. The Specialized shims are a much cheaper alternative for a similar result.

You may also want to check out new bars if the above does not work. There are specific bars made for smaller hands/shorter arms. One of my kid's bikes has a Salsa "Short 'n Shallow" road bar on it. Mostly just less extension and shallower drops.

Good luck.

 

[mahgnillig]

Thanks for the info

Does anyone happen to know from experience if you can make those shims fit 105 10-speed? Specialized mentions that one size fits Ultegra and 105 9-speed, and the other fits Ultegra 10-speed. They look like they're rubber or plastic, so maybe they could be trimmed to fit 105 10-speed?

- Jen.

 

[minstrie]

I've got stubby fingers, same problem with shifters, now use a Ritchey WCS Classic 25.8mm bar, can reach the brakes/shifters with them without the hand contortions. The 25.8 has a shorter reach than the oversized. Never used the 600 shifters, but plan to try them next time I do a rebuild. Would be interested in hearing how the shims work for you.
Minstrie.

 

[becca in london]

I'd like to get hold of some of these specialized shims. Does anyone know anyone selling them who will mail to UK (specialised UK deny all knowledge of them!)
cheers

 

[boneman]

Try Condor

If you're in London, try Condor Cycles on Grays Inn Road. Get a part number or picture and ask at the desk. Staff are really good. I used them for the 6 years I lived there and was able to be almost everything I wanted including retro stuff. Don't be deterred by Specialised UK.

QUOTE=becca in london]I'd like to get hold of some of these specialized shims. Does anyone know anyone selling them who will mail to UK (specialised UK deny all knowledge of them!)
cheers[/QUOTE]

 

[jhenry4]

what about campy?

are there any adaptors that will make campy levers easier on smaller hands?

 

[C-40]

the cure...

There is a simple cure for campy levers. It involves aplying a small amount of 5-minute epoxy behind the quick release button, so the lever will not return to the normal resting position. I can post or e-mail the instructions I wrote up some time ago.

 

[The Flash]

It works...

There is a simple cure for campy levers. It involves aplying a small amount of 5-minute epoxy behind the quick release button, so the lever will not return to the normal resting position. I can post or e-mail the instruction I wrote up some time ago.

Using C-40's instructions, I did this exact think and got it to work. Only way I could reach the brakes from the drops.

Flash...

 

[The Flash]

Slims Shims forever!

Specialized makes a shim that inserts into Shimano levers. You have to then adjust the brake cables, but I put these on my wife's bike as she had the same issue. These move the brake levers 2cm closer to the bars, so may solve your issue. Pretty inexpensive, so maybe worth a try. http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=14890

Shimano also makes an ultegra level shifter that is for smaller hands (the R600). You see the 9 speed versions on eBay alot for about $150 new. The Specialized shims are a much cheaper alternative for a similar result.

You may also want to check out new bars if the above does not work. There are specific bars made for smaller hands/shorter arms. One of my kid's bikes has a Salsa "Short 'n Shallow" road bar on it. Mostly just less extension and shallower drops.

Good luck.

Skip those shifters and get the SlimShims....They come in 2 sizes and work great and are almost unnoticeable. With a piece of plastic you could almost make them yourself, but it's not worth it since you can buy them for $10US. I use the 10mm ones and they are the best! I feel completely comfortable with them, but be aware that you will need to adjust your brakes quite close to the rims to make sure that they don't bottom out before you get enough stopping power.

Flash