how to improve front mech shifting for my 11 year old son

blakemulder
blakemulder Posts: 4
in Workshop
I bought my son a Scott Contessa sora tripple XXS as he is only little and it was one of the few road bikes I could find that fit him - He has such small hands that he has problems throwing the left lever to change chainrings - Im looking for ideas as to how to help him changing chainrings - I have seen this item Shimano XTR Di2 9050 3x11 Front Mech for £78 new from wiggle - could I not adapt something like this for his bike? sorry for my ignorance but looking at all solutions. Is the throw of a compact 2x front mech less that a tripple? Could he manage with a single front chainring if sized correctly? Grateful for any help/suggestions

Comments

  • StillGoing
    StillGoing Posts: 5,211
    How old and tall is he? My 5yr old daughter is on a Frog 58 which is Micro shift levers with Shimano 9 speed. The levers are smaller for little hands and although the Frog 58 is single speed, the left lever can take a cable for a double chain ring on the front. Cheaper than the expense of Di2.

    https://www.microshift.com/en/product-category/road/road-shifters/
    I ride a bike. Doesn't make me green or a tree hugger. I drive a car too.
  • photonic69
    photonic69 Posts: 2,794
    You could try fitting a Tiagra Triple front derailleur. They have slightly longer levers where the cable attached and smoother. The Sora has always been a bit basic and heavy. I did this for my daughter when I realised she was using her right hand to reach over and shift the front derailleur. Possibly your cheapest/easiest option?


    Sometimes. Maybe. Possibly.

  • david37
    david37 Posts: 1,313
    have you adjusted the reach on the lever so its easier for small hands? the retailer should have made sure it fit / was adjusted before you left the shop.
  • photonic69
    photonic69 Posts: 2,794
    david37 said:

    have you adjusted the reach on the lever so its easier for small hands? the retailer should have made sure it fit / was adjusted before you left the shop.

    It doesn’t seem to be the reach that is the issue here (Sora reach can be badly adjusted by the use of the rubber shims) but rather the force required to push the shifting lever inwards to change from small to larger chainrings. Smaller kids don’t have the wrist/finger strength to operate it successfully.


    Sometimes. Maybe. Possibly.

  • blakemulder
    blakemulder Posts: 4
    Yes the gears are working perfectly but his hands are too small to throw the left lever properly

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