Hand strength and shifting

[dravens]

I recently upgraded from a 20 year old Terry Symmetry with shifters on the down tube to a Specialized Ruby with SRAM apex components. I am OK with reaching the brakes and shifters but my fingers are just not strong enough to push the left shifter. I have to stop and do it manually or reach across with my right hand. Although this is a women's specific design bicycle you need to be a gorilla to operate the shifter. I think I have average strength hands for a woman my size which is 5'2 and 115 lbs. Looking for any suggestions from women who have dealt with this issue.

[Hi Ho Silver]

How are you positioning your hands when you shift - are they on the hoods, or in the drops?

[ny biker]

Does the left shifter require more effort than the right one?

[Eden]

Does the left shifter require more effort than the right one?

I wouldn't be surprised if the left one (front) takes more effort - especially if the bike is a compact or a triple with a fairly large difference in the sizes of the chain rings. That can make it a bit of a haul to move the chain up, though having to use both hands? is a bit over the top. I'll bet shifting down isn't a problem?

[ny biker]

I'm wondering if an adjustment to the shifter might be possible, to make it easier to shift. Or maybe the derailleur needs an adjustment.

[meggers113]

I had a similar issue that was caused by overtightening my shifter cable. It made shifting out of my big chainring nearly impossible, very similar to what you describe. Once I removed the excess tension the problem went away.