Reaching my brakes

macondo01

This is my 1980's Nigel Dean, my commuting bike and well yes I do tri's and sportives on it too. But I have a problem with reaching the brakes! By moving the brake lever positions or the angle of the bars I can either a) get comfy on the hoods and work the brakes fine from there, but not reach them when I am down on the drops or.... when the positions are changed b) reach them on the drops but have an uncomfortable position on the hoods because of the handle bars. Its in this position in the photo.

On modern bikes I have ridden you seem to be able to have the best of both worlds, comfy on the hoods and reach the brakes on the drops. Can I get this on my bike?

topdude

What you need is a "compact drop / reach handlebar" i have the "Ritchey Comp compact anatomic bar" for the very same reason.
However you will need to look around on the net, Ebay or local bike shops to find some in the old 25.4 clamp to suit your quil stem as most are now "oversize 31.8"

macondo01

I knew someone would have the answer! Cheers!!

macondo01

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Ritch ... 360044517/

Are these the bars?

meganTHC

I have troubles too...im gonna try those compact handle bars see if they help

topdude

I think those are the ones i have, nice sharp bends and fairly compact.
Look at these at Chain Reaction, bargain :shock:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?PartnerID=79&ModelID=37287

macondo01

Cor they're giving them away! Buying tonight!! Thanks.