short reach drop bars

Monowai
Monowai Posts: 329
edited April 2008 in Workshop
As I'm smaller than average and have small hands, I've always stuggled with reaching brake lever - not so much on campag, but a big problem with my 105 shifters. I've seen the FSA bars and know Salsa do a similar product. Anyone used them? I'm keen to keep something quite light to replace my Deda 215 bars. Are they a worthwhile upgrade?
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Comments

  • topdude
    topdude Posts: 1,557
    How about some "woman specific" bars, they won't be pink, just have smaller reach and drop and narrower width which might suit you.
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  • magliaceleste
    magliaceleste Posts: 748
    If it's in the drops that you have problems, you could also try a bar with more of a classic bend instead of an ergonomic bend.
  • ermintrude
    ermintrude Posts: 514
    I've got a set of bontrager VR bars on my bike, very shallow drop, terrific, easy reach and comfy to ride on the drops.
  • APIII
    APIII Posts: 2,010
    Deda do the Newton in a shallow drop. I have a pair myself, but can't tell you how they compare to the 215.
  • Pirahna
    Pirahna Posts: 1,315
    The 215 comes in 3 versions - deep, shallow and anatomic. I believe Lance took 215's to several Tour wins, so they should be OK for you.

    You can get the full spec from the Deda site:

    http://www.dedaelementi.com/cat_racing.asp

    If you're going to buy replacement bear in mind the 215 needs a 26mm diameter stem, so don't buy an oversize bar or you'll be swapping the stem out as well.

    If you've got Shimano levers I think you can get a wedge to fit on top of the lever which brings them a bit closer to the bars. Might be a better solution if you have very small hands.
  • sloboy
    sloboy Posts: 1,139
    I've gone for the Deda Newton shallows on my new bike (aka Italian bend), and I've just bought some Cinelli Liitle WIng from my daughter and they're TINY.
  • redddraggon
    redddraggon Posts: 10,862
    I've got some Cinelli Vai wing bars and the drop is quite shallow on them (compared to my two sets of ergonomic bars at least).

    Womens bars may do the trick, but if you're like me and need them wide (ie 44cm c to c) I doubt you could find the required width in the womens bars.
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  • richardjallen
    richardjallen Posts: 691
    I have the same problem and have 105 levers. I found these:

    http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp? ... gn=froogle

    They cost £4 and you can fit them in 5 mins so you might want to try them before changing bars.
  • leguape
    leguape Posts: 986
    I've just switched from the Deda 215 shallows to FSA wing compact (the alloy one) which are supposedly designed with reach issues for shimano users in mind. I've only had them a couple of weeks but the fit does seem to be an improvement on the 215s.
    http://www.atomicecho.com/cycling
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    FSA do the Omega compact bar for £20 - well worth trying - my friend has a couple of pairs and I'm tempted - I hate some ergo bars with their short ends
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • mrushton
    mrushton Posts: 5,182
    The Newton or 215 bars in shallow drop are hard to beat. Poss the FSA Wing compact may work but you need to know the distance fro the curve of the bar to the lever. An alternative may be a set of 'slim shims' by Specialized which fit into the lever and allow the levers to move nearer the drop (adjust the brake cable!). A 5 minute job to fit and they are only £3.99
    M.Rushton

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