I have a new Cannondale SR800 that I'm still getting used to. My first "real" road bike, and I've only been at this a few months. Being almost 5 foot 7 I opted for this instead of WSD, just put a female-friendly saddle on. Now that I'm more comfortable on the bike and ready to get into the drops, uh oh, it seems my hands have to really stretch from there to reach the brakes with my fingers.
Speaking out of pure ignorance, this doesn't seem like something that could be adjusted. I'm going by LBS today or tomorrow to get them to tweak a couple of other things, but would like to hear from you ladies...
Anybody have any experience with this? What's the solution? Thanks!
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Thread: handlebars?
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03-29-2005, 06:33 AM #1
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handlebars?
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03-29-2005, 06:36 AM #2
"Ride lots!"
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How have you been braking up until now? From the hoods? I know there are short reach brakes out there. We're thinking about them for our new tandem.
V.
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03-29-2005, 06:52 AM #3
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Yes
good question!
From the hoods. And there's an extra set of brakes on the SR model near where the handlebars meet in the middle (don't know the technical term) so you can steer and brake while sitting more upright.
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03-29-2005, 07:03 AM #4
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I never liked braking from the hoods. It never seemed quite as secure to me.
There is certainly stuff out there. I did a Google search on short reach brake levers and poof.
V.
Short Reach Brake Levers
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03-29-2005, 07:14 AM #5
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Gee, thanks so much!!!
That's one reason I love this board. Everybody knows so much and they're happy to help! Sounds like the ticket. I will discuss w/LBS asap.
Had no idea they sold these separately (much less, what to call them in a google search...) Thanks again, Veronica.
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03-29-2005, 07:34 AM #6
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There are also shims made for Shimano levers (by, I think both Shimano and Specialized). It slips into the front of the lever by the hinge and keeps the brake lever closer to the bar. Of course, you then need to adjust the cables. Ask your shop about these. I'll go see what I can find with Mr. Google.
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03-29-2005, 07:40 AM #7
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With the same search, I found the second link had a photo of a women-specific handlebar, made by Terry, shaped to bring your hands closer to the levers. That sounds like a good solution to me.
Originally Posted by shewhobikes
That's one reason I love this board. Everybody knows so much and they're happy to help! Sounds like the ticket. I will discuss w/LBS asap. Had no idea they sold these separately (much less, what to call them in a google search...) Thanks again, Veronica.
Oh, and the brake extension thingies? I've only heard bad things. You can't apply proper force to the brakes, making emergency stopping difficult and dangerous.
I only ride in the drops for long fast descents, and I suppose I'll have to learn to sprint in the drops if I start racing, but otherwise my hands are on the hoods or the tops for effective leverage and/or to open my chest during strenuous (climbing) efforts. When and why are you in the drops?
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03-29-2005, 08:44 AM #8
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It is something they should be able to fix too. If I understand the problem, the levers are too far for you to reach from the drops. You/they would have to unwrap the bars but the brakes/hoods can be moved on the bars to some degree - making it easier to reach from the drops. It would change the reach from the tops of the bars tho and it would change your position when riding on the hoods. I used to always ride in the drops, made me feel like a "racer" (ok...I was also about 13 yrs old!) but I have gull wings right now. They work for the commuter bike but I really lust for a road bike! A)I want the speed and B)I miss the drops! Anyway, good luck with the bike and let us know how you resolved it! Originally Posted by shewhobikes
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, champagne in one hand, strawberries in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming: "Yeah Baby! What a Ride!"
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03-29-2005, 09:18 AM #9
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yay, options!
Sounds like I have a couple of options. I will talk to LBS about adjusting the levers closer to the drops. Either that, or we could order WDS/smaller hand design from somewhere, if the shop doesn't have in stock, to replace. Either way I understand I'll have to adjust my hand position a bit on the hoods. Good deal! Y'all are the best.
Thanks, and I'll report back when I get this situated.
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