Brake reach issues... Shims?

[Trekhawk]

After I rode my bike for awhile I realized I needed to do something as I was getting really sore hands from braking. I took it into my bike shop and they put some shims in for me. It didnt take long and they didnt charge me. I think its because between my husband and I we spend a bit of cash there.

My hands are very happy now.

[SadieKate]

The shims are available for Shimano 105s and Ultegras. Specialized also makes them. The link is probably in that earlier thread.

[slinkedog]

Thanks Ladies! Tprevost... the reach is just a little far for my fingers. I was really noticing it last weekend on a long descent (yes, SK, I braked pretty much the whole way as it was twisty!) and my hands were cold, besides... I was pretty uncomfortable at the end of it. My stem and bike fit are pretty good, I think. Just the levers are a long reach for my fingers.

Tprevost... let us know when you are coming up. I would LOVE to ride with you!

[SnappyPix]

Slinkedog,

I fitted a pair of Specialized Shims to my brake hoods a few months ago - made the world of difference - just 20mm can make the reach much more comfortable and downhill descents feel much safer now!

They're easy-peasy to fit, takes mere seconds. The shims have a self-adhesive backing, you just peel off the paper, pull on the brake and insert the shim into the gap. (Full instructions come in the packet).

Looking at some of the WSD bikes, some manufacturers actually use shims, rather than fitting shorter reach brake hoods.

Here's a link from Specialized: http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCEqP...jsp?spid=14922

You should be able to pick these up off-the-shelf - any store that stocks Specialized accessories should have them.

[brok]

I use the shims from Specialized, actually my hands are so small that I have mine double shimmed ( is that a word ). Anyway, my hands are much happier and I have better control of the brakes. I ordered mine directly from Specialized.

[Kathi]

While on this topic, I'm building a new bike and my guy at the LBS thinks I should get Shimano because the levers are supposed to be short reach. Yes, I can reach the brakes but I hate the way the hoods feel. They're just not at comfortable to me as my Campy hoods. It appears to me that Shimano dealt with the reach to the brakes issue but hasn't done anything about making the hoods more ergonomic for small hands.

Living in Colorado I do a lot more braking from the drops than I did in Cincinnati so I'm trying to decide which to do.

Do I keep the comfort of the Campy hoods, where I spend most of my time, or go for the safety, security of a better reach to the brakes?

[SadieKate]

I have small hands, not incredibly small, but small enough that I have reach problems. The width of the Shimano hoods was uncomfortable for me. I set up a bike with them and used them for about 6 months and finally decided it wasn't worth it.

I've never had a problem with the reach of Campy from the drops. From the hoods, I cannot get a really firm grip but good enough for times when I don't want to be in the drops anyway. I descend in the drops.

If it is a matter of getting lower gearing, I use a Jtek Shiftmate with Campy levers and a Shimano drivetrain.

[Starfish]

I use the shims from Specialized, actually my hands are so small that I have mine double shimmed ( is that a word ). Anyway, my hands are much happier and I have better control of the brakes. I ordered mine directly from Specialized.

I would like to hear more from anyone who has done this. I currently have one set of these shims, and it isn't enough. I've been thinking of getting a woman's bar due to brake reach problems, but would prefer the cost of this double-shim solution, if it works. Guess I'm concerned about slippage, security, adjusting cables to work with the extra shim distance, etc.

Anyone?

[Starfish]

Brok, thanks - got your reply on the other small hands thread.