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I can’t reach the brake levers!

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  • December 30, 2014 at 9:26 pm #22929
    darrenleroy

    I bought a second-hand Bianchi which features a Record group set. On the hoods I can operate the brake levers easy enough but in the drops I struggle to reach them comfortably (I have small hands). This makes me nervous riding in the drops, especially downhill.

    Does anyone know of a way to adjust the levers so they sit closer to the bars for a shorter reach? Or do I have to buy a new pair of levers?

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Viewing 14 replies - 31 through 44 (of 44 total)
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  • January 2, 2015 at 3:18 pm #824667
    0
    mike the bike

    I too have small hands but my
    I too have small hands but my Centaur levers are well within reach from the drops. If the “big hands” inserts are not in use and the brake quick-release is correctly positioned my next thought would be the position of the levers on the bars. Too far up on the bend and the levers will protrude too far.

    As Vejnecske says, the Campag’ manual is the place to look for guidance, and be aware that over-tightening the clamps can lead to the cracking of the plastic housing, an extremely expensive mistake.

    Best of luck.

    January 2, 2015 at 1:29 pm #824665
    0
    Vejnemojnen

    http://ruedatropical.com/2009
    http://ruedatropical.com/2009/03/road-drop-bar-geometry/

    Handlebarz.. and correct positioning of the levers: see page three:

    http://www.campagnolo.com/media/files/035_256_Technical%20manual%20-%20Mechanical%20units%20ergopower%20commands%20-%20Campagnolo_Rev00_11_14.pdf

    January 2, 2015 at 1:13 pm #824663
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    joemmo

    Sounds like the best solution
    Sounds like the best solution would be a change of bar. Something with a short drop and reach like the FSA vero/omega for example. The deda rhm is also a nice shape, more traditional but without a big drop.

    January 2, 2015 at 8:12 am #824661
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    Yorkshie Whippet

    Which part of the hand do you
    Which part of the hand do you want to operate the levers? Sounds like a stupid question but a lot of us don’t use finger ends but the bit between the knuckles, (sorry I was never any good at human anatomy). I only realized this when I wound the levers in so much I struggled to get my hands onto the drops or crushed other fingers when braking even with my small hands.

    January 2, 2015 at 12:06 am #824659
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    darrenleroy

    They are in the correct
    They are in the correct position. I even went to double check. Maybe I’m just not comfortable with braking in the drops. I’m off out for a ride in the Chilterns tomorrow so I’ll concentrate on stretching my stubby fingers to working the levers.

    January 1, 2015 at 6:53 pm #824657
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    Guernsey Donkey

    Exactly.
    Exactly.

    January 1, 2015 at 5:51 pm #824655
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    glynr36

    I think the point GD is
    I think the point GD is trying to make is perhaps they’re not back in the normal position, and could be out as if to allow brake removal.
    I’d not say you need new levers(also what levers? You still need campag and they’re all the same in size and shape), check for the wedges first, if they’re that much of a struggle to reach I’d imagine they’re in. My girlfriend has used my winter bike with Campag Athena levers on the odd occasion and had no trouble braking.

    January 1, 2015 at 5:00 pm #824653
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    darrenleroy

    I want it to move closer to
    I want it to move closer to the bars though! The opposite. I have the same brake levers.

    My bars are pretty standard. Looks like I need new brake levers. What the hell do women do as most have smaller hands than most men?

    December 31, 2014 at 5:40 pm #824651
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    Guernsey Donkey

    Are the brake quick release
    Are the brake quick release pins in the correct position? Shimano and Sram have the brake quick release on the brakes but Campag’ has them on the levers.

    http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e170/DerekJordan/Sandbox/0525_zpse6d21c67.gif

    The arrow in the picture shows the position of the pin. To release the brakes you pull the lever slightly and push the pin across which allows the lever to move further away from the bars.

    Check your pins.

    December 31, 2014 at 2:10 pm #824649
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    therevokid

    modern ergo’s have an insert
    modern ergo’s have an insert inside the bottom of the body which means you’ll
    need to remove them to check. but it’s what they call “big hands” so it’s only
    ever fitted by someone wanting to increase the reach.

    December 31, 2014 at 8:50 am #824647
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    glynr36

    Check the inserts aren’t in
    Check the inserts aren’t in or take them out, after that it’s about bar selection.
    What bars does the bike have?

    December 31, 2014 at 12:55 am #824645
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    fenix

    STI is Shimano Total
    STI is Shimano Total Integration

    I don’t believe Campag have adjustable reach on their levers sadly. Maybe differently shaped bars could bring the levers closer ? Cheaper way of doing it ?

    December 31, 2014 at 12:55 am #824643
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    fenix

    STI is Shimano Total
    STI is Shimano Total Integration

    I don’t believe Campag have adjustable reach on their levers sadly. Maybe differently shaped bars could bring the levers closer ? Cheaper way of doing it ?

    December 30, 2014 at 10:26 pm #824641
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    Jeroen0110

    Not sure of the specific STIs
    Not sure of the specific STIs you’ve got but I’ve read there are spacer inserts available so that they are a little closer to the hands, should be doable!

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