I've been coaching the women's cycling team for a couple of years at the University of Kansas and have come up against a mechanical issue that I'd like your input on. My wife, and some of my riders have "small" hands (in comparison to their male counterparts) and find it difficult to use Shimano levers. They find that they just cannot reach the levers when on the hoods or in the drops (even with the available shims for groups like Tiagra).

What recommendations do you have for female-friendly shifters? What solutions have you come up with if you've faced this problem yourself (or with teammates)?

Thanks

DMc