Shims for Shimano dual-control levers?

[Tiffanie]

I'm going to be lazy here and instead of google I'm just going to ask you gals.

What are shims?

[gringa loca]

Just had EXACTLY the same issue on my Dolce. The LBS ordered some special shims, and when she took them to the mechanic to put on, he showed her how to adjust WITHOUT SHIMS! I don't have my camera right now, but if you on your bike and look at the levers, there is a small hole in the black plastic part. There is a screw like thingy inside that you turn with a screwdriver?( I didn't adjust them the LBS did) and it creates it's own shim.

The Sora's are the only ones like this according to the mechanic.

Hope this helps!

[Kalidurga]

I don't have my camera right now, but if you on your bike and look at the levers, there is a small hole in the black plastic part. There is a screw like thingy inside that you turn with a screwdriver?( I didn't adjust them the LBS did) and it creates it's own shim.

The Sora's are the only ones like this according to the mechanic.

Hope this helps!

Hmmm... I called both Specialized and Shimano and neither mentioned anything like that. Though more and more it seems that folks in Customer Service areas really don't know the more esoteric stuff about their own products and companies.

So, I looked at the levers and there is a small screw in the back of lever, in the middle of the hood. Is that what you're referring to, gringa loca? If it's something inside the lever/hood that's exposed when the lever's depressed, then I can't see it.

Between the brake lever screw and velogirl's carpet squares, my bike tech is gonna end up with all sorts of new ideas, thanks to the TE forum.

[winddance]

Rubber cabinet bumpers really work well, too!

[gringa loca]

Kalidurga,

If you screw it in, then you will see your levers "shim" and once it's screwed in, when you depress your levers and look inside you will see it.

Unfortunately my husband has our camera, and he's in Chile right now!

What bike do you have? I just got my Dolce in June.

[gringa loca]

So, I looked at the levers and there is a small screw in the back of lever, in the middle of the hood. Is that what you're referring to, gringa loca?

Sorry not enough coffee yet this morning! So yes, that is exactly it!

[Kalidurga]

Thanks so much for the info, gringa loca! A few turns of the screw did the trick and it doesn't feel like the brakes need any adjustment (though I will check them when I go for a ride later). Again, I find it funny that Specialized, Shimano and the LBS tech didn't know this simple little thing.

One word of warning, though, for anyone else who tries this: The screw seems to be plastic. Be careful not to let the screwdriver slip or you can shred the head of the screw.

What bike do you have? I just got my Dolce in June.

I looked at the Dolce and almost bought it. I wasn't too keen on the color, though. I went back for a test ride and ended up talking to another guy in the shop about the type of riding I do, and he steered me towards the TriCross instead of the Dolce. I was concerned about the fit (much less top tube clearance than I was used to) but after a spin down the local side streets I was in love. Now that I've been fit and the brake levers are set, my sleek black pony is just right Thanks again!

[Fredwina]

I'm going to be lazy here and instead of google I'm just going to ask you gals.

What are shims?

They're little plastic triangle you can stick between your brake lever and it its base, so the lever will be closer to the handle bars

[Kathi]

If you need or want to change your handlebars, there are 2 models that work, they bring the levers closer to your hands. They are the Modolo Venus bar and the 3T Eva bar. My LBS didn't know about them until I told them.