New bike suitable for disability

wavey_davey

Hi all, first time posting here, so be gentle with me!

I began cycling again 2 years ago after a very long time away.

Currently riding a Cube Attain SL, which is great, however...

I have a slight disability - only half a left hand, which makes gear changes from small chain ring to big dificult, and braking almost impossible!

I have adapted / adopted so that I can use my right hand brake, and have re-routed cables previously to make my right hand the rear brake, rather than the front.

I am looking at getting a new bike and my big question is...

Do bikes with either Di2 or SRAM etap (or similar?) make it 'easier' to change gear?
Is it as simple as a tap to change?

All advice welcome.
Ta.

keezx

Can't say anything about E shifting but I would always prefer to be able to brake in front with my "good"hand as the front brake delivers the most of the braking power......

wavey_davey

The current set up is the traditional - front brake on the right and back brake on the left.

I just have to be a bit careful that I don't brake too sharply and end up over the handlebars!

mcstumpy

Problem Solver Cable Doubler, one brake lever pulls both brakes. And a bar end friction shifter in a handlebar butt to control the front mech. Works for me as I struggle to operate sti with my prosthetic hand. PM if you want more info or pics

janwal

Yes Di2 is easier to change. It’s just micro switches really,one finger changing is all it takes,just a gentle push on the levers. A friend has two Di2 bikes as they help is older arthritic hands.
You could also go for 1x11 so you don’t need a front derailleur. See this post. http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtop ... t=13085261
As you can see from the post I am a big fan and have a Trek and a Boardman with SRAM chainsets on. The hydraulic discs also allow less force needed to brake. One finger braking is a treat to use! You could also go for Di2 with discs aswell. It depends if you can put up with bigger gaps on cassette. I hardly notice them and Can easily ride all day with mates and have yet to find a disadvantage for me personally.
Nearly all manufactures have one in their range now including cube.

navrig2

Have you considered 1x11 rather than 2x11. It's becoming more popular in road bikes. Doesn't address the braking issue though.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utw9NzIwhzw

cooldad

Have a look here, for inspiration, if nothing else. One armed mountain biker, he also races motorcycles.

http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtop ... t=13061214

BigMitch41 wrote:

Some pics:
The Creg MGP 2013

When the flag drops

Southern 100 Castletown Corner

S100 Church Bends

Jurby Testing

MGP Glen Helen

MGP Begarrow

Ballaugh Bridge Air Time

Manx End2End 75k 1500Meters of climbing

wavey_davey

Thanks all. Some good options there. I will be watching the 1 x 11 options - it will be interesting to see how the Strada 3T goes this year. I like the idea of the Di2 and disc brake combo, it's whether I can justify the extra cost to the wife! I am sure it will make me a better cyclist...
Popped along to my LBS this lunchtime and they were v helpful, suggesting a Trek Madone Di2 plus disc brake set up. Also said they could do something with the position of the brake lever to make it easier.
Decisions decisions.

northpole

I was going to suggest a Domane with hydraulic discs and Di2 on the basis that if you have less strength on one side you may be a bit unbalanced and the slightly more compliant/ forgiving Domane could be of more benefit to you than the stiffer race orientated Madone.

Incidentally, those images of a one armed guy racing a motorbike just makes my mind boggle - he must have incredible core strength to be able to wrestle the weight and g force of a fast bike round corners - incredible stuff!

Peter

cooldad

And ginormous bollocks.