Brake reach issues... Shims?

[slinkedog]

I'm sure this topic has been discussed before, but I'm not finding what I'm looking for when doing a search. I'd love to hear from you who have had to shorten your brake reach by using shims or whatever method you're happy with. I'm also interested in knowing about how much you paid for such surgery. Thanks!

[tprevost]

Hey Slinkedog,

Are they too far forward or are the levers out of reach of your fingers? The former can be helped w/shorter stem; not sure what to do about the latter but I'm sure you'll get lots of advise from those 'in the know'!

Tracy

ps. I will be up there next month so I'll PM you before I finalize to see if I can ride with the south san jose/morgan hill contingent!

[wavedancer]

Try this link: http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...ighlight=shims

I know there are shims made specifically for this purpose, but the little home made shims are still working great!

Linda

[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.

[ktbikes]

My Specialized shims arrived this week - they were so easy to put in, and it has made a huge difference. I did my first road ride where I did not have extremely sore hands afterwards. Wonderful!

[fasteryet]

Mags, they don't make them for DuraAce. I bought a set of the Specialized ones home to try, but I never used them. You could probably make them work, but it won't have a clean finished look.
I just got different bars, with a very short reach (Bontrager Race X Lite), and that helps somewhat. I still need to find a way to get the levers closer when I'm in the drops, though. I may just end up with something homemade.

[Kathi]

A woman on another forum said she used a Guiness beer can, cut it into the shape she wanted and it works great. I'm amazed at what people are doing to shorten the reach!

I'm very happy with the Modolo Venus bars. Shorter reach to the hoods, drops and I can reach the brake levers, and my bike handles better. The more I ride with them the better I like them. Overall, they are a much better fit for me.

I looked at the Race X-Lites but they didn't come small enough in size for me and the LBS didn't think they'd solve my problem with the levers.

The bars were not a cheap fix, cost was about $120 for handlebars, new tape and installation but well worth it in terms of comfort, handling and braking.