Linda - make sure you ask to ride the set that has the LEAST reach on the bars. I rode a few different Shimano sets that had such long hoods that I could barely reach the shifters. I know it's a matter of model on Shimano and it's probably the same with SRAM. So even if one SRAM doesn't work, another might. And what's even more apparent is the same SRAM might be different on different bikes. (frustrating!)

Try other Shimano as well - everything and anything they have. You just never know.

And keep us posted. This is fascinating stuff!