Small Hands

[redste]

I'm thinking of upgrading to a road bike. My problem is that I am only short 5'6 and I've only got small hands.
Will I be able to reach the brakes/gears on a drop handlebar?

Yea yea I know what they say about men with small hands

 

[Peter Armstrong]

Small Gloves?

 

[Rob3rt]

The reach of some STI levers can be altered, this should help. Also not all drop handlebars are created equal there are many variations on the drop handlebar shape and if your hands really are particularly small then you may need to find a good compromise between the shape of the bar and the reach of the STI levers.

As for which STI's offer reach adjustment, I dont recall, hopefully someone else can advise on that.

 

[ianrauk]

I also have small hands and have no problem with the levers.
Both Shimano 105 & Ultegra have shims to change the reach.
I am not sure about anything below 105 or above Ultegra.

 

[lulubel]

Drop bars come in a huge range of shapes and sizes, so the best option is to go and look at/test ride as many bikes as you can. I, and most of the female cyclists are know, are more comfortable with bars with a compact drop, so if your hands are really that small, that might be a good option for you.

If you find a bike that's perfect in every other way except the bars, you can always change them.

 

[Arsen Gere]

You can also put a wedge under the fitting so the leavers are moved closer to the bars to assist you. Bear in mind a lot of women ride road bikes, Mrs Gere included (5' 4"). 5' 6" is tall for a woman.

 

[berty bassett]

i,m 5'7 and not short !! everyone else is tall . got tiny hands but never had problems with levers though