Quote Originally Posted by 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.
Hey there SadieKate,

I too am having problems with grip in the hoods. I think this is casuing my numb thumbs. Is there any correcting this? Shims for campys?

Here's whats funny....the training group I ride in is a tad slow and all over the map on confidence. I can do decents faster than some of these folk, but can't needing to maintain single file....so I've never descended in the drops thinking the aero dynamics are going to speed me up, but you get more breaking power in the drops. The result is stiff gripping in the hoods.

By the end of a ride I have no strength left in my hands. (How close did I come to that cab because I wasn't braking hard enough!?)


Thanks!