Dropbar or Basebar

sorry...nm

Edited by Jason N 2014-09-18 9:36 PM

Are you sure the brake levers are positioned correctly on the drop bars? If you slide them up or down and rotate the bar up/down there might be a position where your fingers don't have to reach so far. This will require you to remove the bar tape.

In the drops you should have your hands positioned so that you are able to use the brakes. Instead of going with a basebar, I would instead look for a new set of levers that are designed for smaller hands (I forget what Shimano calls them but they should fix your problem).

Shane

Completely agree with Shane that the problem is with your reach. You may also want to look into short reach drop bars, they would put the levers much closer to you.

On some levers the reach is adjustable by inserting a spacer. I know this is possible on my Shimanos. Your bike shop could probably help you with this.
This is the Shimano install directions:
http://bike.shimano.com.sg/media/techdocs/content/cycle/SI/SI_6SC0A...

This. I have short fingers. I find it more difficult to brake at full power from the tops than from the drops.

Also, my Dura Ace 7900 levers are adjustable for smaller hands.

Edited by jeng 2014-09-19 11:31 AM

All other things being equal, switching to a flat pursuit-type basebar might save you about 10 sec per 40 km due to a small aero advantage over drop bars. But, that said, if you switch to a flat basebar, there is little doubt that you will have a more difficult time controlling your bike and braking on steep downhills and/or on technical courses. The grip sections of flat basebars end up being inclined forward when you're going down hills. Which, even for larger people with large hands, makes it quite hard to securely grip the basebar, squeeze the brake levers, and steer at the same time. So if you have difficulty with your current set up, it might be smart for you to keep your drop bars and just adjust the reach of your current brake levers. Another advantage of drop bars is that they allow you to get your body lower that you will be able to with flat basebars, and a lower center of gravity will help you corner easier and safer.

Greg @ dsw

thank you for all the replies guys. i will definitely stick to my dropbars. i'll try adjusting the brake levers (mine in ultegra 6600) if it has that option. if not i'll probably either buy shimano brake shims or get a dura ace.

i very much appreciate your inputs on my problem.