Issues with Sora Levers

[steve30]

I have a Specialized Allez 2010 with the Shimano Sora levers of the time (the kind with the thumb switch).

From the hoods, I can access both fine.

However, from the drops, I can reach the brake lever well enough to brake, but it seems my hand isn't long enough to push the lever to one side to change gear. I can just about reach the thumb switch from the drops, but its the lever that is the main problem.

I demonstrate this with a couple of photos:
This photo shows how far the lever needs to move for a successful gear change: http://stevecoates.net/allez/changing_full.jpg
But I can only push the lever this far: http://stevecoates.net/allez/drops_changing.jpg

Did there ought to be any way of improving this, or are there any levers which would be better?
I already have some shims in which reduce the reach of the brake lever.

 

[screenman]

Would dropping the lever further around the bar not bring them in closer, at the same time though it might make riding on the hoods not as comfortable. You might be able to get some of these locally.

 

[cyberknight]

What sort of drop bar do you have ? could be the curve of the bar? i can reach the brake lever to shift but not the thumb switch on my virtuoso.

 

[steve30]

Would dropping the lever further around the bar not bring them in closer, at the same time though it might make riding on the hoods not as comfortable.

I'll try and give that a go, thanks.

What sort of drop bar do you have ? could be the curve of the bar? i can reach the brake lever to shift but not the thumb switch on my virtuoso.

I have the type shown in this picture: http://www.evanscycles.com/product_...ialized-allez-sport-triple-2010-road-bike.jpg
Come to think of it now, that might be the problem. Perhaps new bars will be on the list of things to do over the next year.

 

[cyberknight]

Look like anatomic bars , you can get compact bars with less reach might help ?