Keeper of the Mighty Macaulay wrote:
> Is there a decent shifter out there that is designed or easily modified for small hands? I've seen
> D/A levers with some kind of shim placed in them to tilt the lever closer to the bar- is this
> possible with Campy? How does one do it? I'm researching for a friend who doesn't like her current
> Ultegra 8sp STI (said the reach is too long) and liked the hood position of my old point Campy
> levers but still has problems with grabbing the levers while in the drops. How is the
> durability/functionality of the Sora with the reach adjustment?
The Sora brifters have proven quite reliable. If she's happy with 8 speeds, and if she isn't
bothered by the stigma of low price, I would highly recommend them.
When installing drop-bar brake levers on bikes for smaller riders, I often angle the levers outward
slightly to make the reach a bit easier.
Also, make sure the tape isn't too thick in the area just below the brake levers. Some people
wrap the tape excessively in a figure "8" around the lever, and this can reduce reach ability in
some cases.
That's also a waste of tape. I tend to use very little overlap below the brake levers, partly
for brake reach, and partly 'cause when folks are riding in the drops, they don't generally need
much padding.
I wind with a lot more overlap along the top of the bar, making the tape thicker up there, 'cause
that's the part of the bar people use when they're tired and sore.
Sheldon "Soraphile" Brown +-------------------------------------------------------+
| A man's ethical behavior should be based effectually | on sympathy, education, and social ties
| and needs; | no religious basis is necessary. | Man would indeed be in a poor way if he had to be
| | restrained by fear of punishment and hope of reward | after death. --Albert Einstein |
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Phone 617-244-9772 FAX 617-244-1041
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