Trek 1500 brakes are a stretch

Hello there! Glad I found this forum, it's been extremely helpful!

First time posting after reading the threads for the past few hours- can time fly!

I have recently decided to get into riding, as a lifestyle change and because the weather is perfect for it in the Bay area now. I came across the Trek 1500 yesterday and gave it a test ride after getting not being very impressed by the hybrids. These hills are steep and the hybrid was a struggle!

Overall, the Trek 1500 was a joy to ride in the short time I rode it around. Still adjusting to the gears, but I guess that's trial and error and I'll get it down soon enough. The LBS has been very helpful, though I was not given a proper fitting, but they asked for my height (I'm 5'8") and positioned the seat to where my knee was slightly bent while the pedal was at it's lowest point. Is this sufficient fitting? What about the upper body?

That's where my biggest concern comes in: the brakes are a bit of a stretch for my fingers. My arms are fine, atleast I think, but I have nothing to compare to so I am going by comfort. It could also be due to the brakes being no name, which I'd like to get swapped out for Ultegra?

So I'm wanting to know from any of you women that might have this issue as well, and possibly with the Trek 1500? I can still brake by stretching my fingers outward, but the area between m thumb and forefinger becomes sore, so I should probably invest in some gloves.

By the way, I tried out the Trek 1500 WSD, but I did not like the handle bars as much and didn't notice a difference in how my body was positioned.

Will pulling the seat forward even more, solve this?

Thanks for reading, I do appreciate any advice I can get on this. I plan on going back this coming weekend as they are having a sale. These next 5 days are going to go by too slow!

You have a few options that I can think of. You could change the handle bar to a flat bar more like a MTB but you may like the road bike bars. If you did that you would have to change the shifters and brake levers. I think the newer Shimano Ultegra and Dura Ace and I am not sure about the 105 line have changed their levers/shifters, they are now adjustable to fit smaller hands. Your bike shop should have told you some of this info. Shop around and ask lots of questions. Good luck and let us know how you make out!

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When you come to a climb, hit it hard!

I used to have this problem on my old bike, I couldn't reach the brakes properly while in the drops, the problem for me was the ergo bars, I switched to classic shallow drop bars on my current bike and have no problem now, you could give that a try.

In San Francisco, American Cyclery and The FreeWheel are great shops who could help you out. You need a set of classic bend bars like the Deda 215 Shallow, or one of the women's specific bars for smaller hands.

something like this: http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCEqP...jsp?spid=25311

In the Peninsula, you can try CyclePath in San Mateo, or there is always Mike's Bikes in Sausalito.

The bars would be much cheaper than buying new brake/shifter units, and would take very little time to swap. You can also ensure that they give you a set that is the right width for your shoulders.

Good Luck!

Hi-

You also might try a different stem. Different lengths of stems and different angles really make a difference in fit. Before investing in anything, your best bet is to take the bike to a good shop, which will take the time to fit you properly.

edited to add:
on the peninsula...Chain Reaction Bicycles is great

I have a Trek 1500. It's a good, solid bike, and 105 is a very durable and dependible group.

The problem with reaching the brake levers is a normal one. I have the same issue. I'm 6'0" with small hands
Here's a cheap solution. There are little adjuster 'levers' on the side of the brake where the cable is attached. These can be pulled up so the lever is nearer the bar before the brake pads hit the rim. Don't move these too much, because the lever might hit the handlebar before the pads can engage.
A better idea is to get shims. I think Specialized makes some, although I'm not sure.
Or you can make shims out of neoprene rubber or plastic, and adhere it with rubber cement or super glue.

They didn't really fit you properly. For someone who plans to do a little recreational riding, that might be sufficient, but for any distance or fitness stuff, you need to have it done right. Plus, if your older (35+) it's especially important to prevent stress injuries, and fit is the most important element of this.
If no one at that shop has the expertise, you could go to another, or tell them to find someone with experience. A proper should be included in your purchase. Don't accept anything less.

Having your knee slightly bent at the lowest point in the stroke is correct. As for your upper body, it depends on your comfort level as well as your height. If you feel too stretched out, you may need a shorter stem. If you feel too crunched up, you may need a longer stem. Also, Shimano makes road levers for the women's bikes that are adjustable in reach. Or you could switch to the classic style of drop bar (without the ergo bend, I have the same problem). As for the "adjustment" lever on the brake, I would suggest leaving that alone. It is a quick release lever to facilitate removal of the wheel and is not meant to adjust anything. I have worked in a bike shop for three years and the biggest complaint was the non-adjustability of the Shimano road levers. The older ones use to have a reach adjustment screw...why they took them out, I have no idea.

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'06 Cannondale R700

I agree... I think the stem is the better place to adjust how stretched out you feel. Adjusting the saddle's fore-aft position changes the position of your knees relative to the pedals, and once you get a good bike fitting and dial in that position, you should probably not mess with it.

Trying out bars that bring your hands closer to the levers is definitely the cheaper option, if it works for you, but these are the adjustable-reach, Ultegra-level shifters that graphixgeek mentioned:

http://tinyurl.com/2db6w4

They come in 8-, 9-, and 10-speed versions and are apparently Ultegra-equivalent.