For those of you who have reach issues to the brake levers I've found 2 handlebars that might be worth checking out. Both are designed to bring the hand closer to the brake lever which is still an issue for those of us with Campy brifters. Both bars have a flat spot in the bend which allows the hand to get closer to the levers.
TTT makes the Eva. It comes in sizes 38/42-40/44 cm. Its made a little wider at the bottom.
The Modolo Venus comes in sizes 34-42 cm. Looks like it has a 77 mm reach between the lever and the bar.
The disadvantage of the bars is that newer bikes have larger clamps so a new stem will probably be required.
I looked at the Poco bars but the little bump restricted my hands so my fingers wouldn't reach the brake levers.
I ordered the Venus because I need the size 34 cm. I'll give a report on it when I receive it.
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Thread: Small Hands, Small Handlebars
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05-11-2006, 07:25 AM #1
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Small Hands, Small Handlebars
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05-11-2006, 08:09 PM #2
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Great! Will appreciate the review.
A little OT, but related...would like to hear from anyone who uses the Specialized shims to reduce brake reach. Specifically, is anyone using two sets of these...double-shimming? I have one set of shims and it is not enough. Am considering double-shimming, but would like to hear if there are any problems: loosening, cable adjustments needed, etc.
I'm trying to avoid buying new bars."The best rides are the ones where you bite off much more than you can chew, and live through it." ~ Doug Bradbury
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05-12-2006, 04:24 AM #3
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I double shimmed last year and had no problems. The shims stayed in place ( double stick tape hold them in place). I did have to do a slight adjustment to the brakes. When I first put the shims (both pair) in place it was like having the brakes on already. You might have to have your LBS adjust them if you aren't familiar with how but other than that no problems. That was the only way I could get comfortable and be cofident I had control of the brakes/shifters.
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05-12-2006, 04:28 AM #4
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By the way...
My new bike has http://bike.shimano.com/catalog/cycl...=1147433145457 these shifters. They bring my hands pretty close as well.
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05-12-2006, 08:40 AM #5
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Brok,
How comfortable is the braking from the hoods? I felt that the Shimano shifters were to bulky reaching the brake from the hoods and my hand didn't rest comfortably in the hoods. Just too large for me. That's why I'm staying with Campy on the new bike.
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05-12-2006, 08:59 AM #6
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My LBS says that they've been having excellent feedback setting up bikes with Specialized's stock WSD bar. Sorry, I don't know more than that but they've been really happy with their customer's satisfaction with the reach. You usually won't see this bar sitting out on display but you can probably find it on a bike on the floor so ask about it next time you're at a Speciazed dealer.
Just thought I'd pass along this bit of info for the knowledge base.
Kathi - I too don't like the bulk of Shimano shifters. It's that wide square top that's painful for my dainty little paws.
Frends know gud humors when dey is hear it. ~ Da Crockydiles of ZZE.
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