Bike Alterations

[kelbel159]

Morning
I bought a Carrera TDF a couple of weeks ago but when I went for a test ride I found that I was struggling with the gap between the handlebars and the brake levers.
About 4-5 miles in I was getting excruciating pain through palm/bottom.of thumb in mainly my left hand......I think I am having to stretch my hands/fingers too much to reach the brake lever.
I'm also fining that I want to sit a little bit more upright than I am too, a friend of mine has tilted the bars slightly which has helped so I may do that a little more but he also mentioned some sort of rubber packer you can get to put at the top of the brake lever and lessen the gap......can anyone help with this?
Any other advice or know where I can get these rubber packers from?

 

[Joffey]

What shifters does it have? 2300, Tourney, Claris?

 

[roadrash]

these are what i think you need , these are for specialised , shimano also do them , your lbs should be able to get them for you
http://www.sigmasport.co.uk/item/Sp...RDT1B_vL66JAkOCw1i_esaAvIn8P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds

heres a video (not mine)

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tG_UwcqaAKw

 

[Levo-Lon]

As above..just seen that..

You can get rubber grommets to make the span shorter..
Its all about adjustment and getting comfy..

better brake blocks can give better stopping power with less effort at the lever too..
salmon brake blocks etc

 

[MichaelW2]

1. Reduce the brake reach with plastic spacers.
2. Reposition the brake levers on the bars, up and down, and in rotation (requires re-taping).
3. Rotate the bars in the stem
4. Flip the stem for a higher bar position.
5. replace stem with more rise/shorter length.

 

[raleighnut]

^^^^^^^^+1

 

[Sharky]

Does your levers have a quick release mechanism built in?
They could have been left open to allow the wheels to be put on and left open?

 

[MichaelW2]

Shimano QR release is on the brake. Campagnolo has the QR on the lever.

 

[kelbel159]

What shifters does it have? 2300, Tourney, Claris?

That was all a foreign language to me (new cyclist).
When I get home I will see if it says in the handbook, or will it say on the bike itself somewhere?

 

[kelbel159]

these are what i think you need , these are for specialised , shimano also do them , your lbs should be able to get them for you
http://www.sigmasport.co.uk/item/Sp...RDT1B_vL66JAkOCw1i_esaAvIn8P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds

heres a video (not mine)

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tG_UwcqaAKw

Fantastic, thanks you
Do you think they would do them.in halfords??

 

[kelbel159]

1. Reduce the brake reach with plastic spacers.
2. Reposition the brake levers on the bars, up and down, and in rotation (requires re-taping).
3. Rotate the bars in the stem
4. Flip the stem for a higher bar position.
5. replace stem with more rise/shorter length.

Wow, loads to check.....thank you

 

[kelbel159]

Does your levers have a quick release mechanism built in?
They could have been left open to allow the wheels to be put on and left open?

I dont think so but will check, thanks

 

[biggs682]

i always thought new bikes came with the spacers for the new owner to add if required ????

 

[kelbel159]

i always thought new bikes came with the spacers for the new owner to add if required ????

Ooh I don't remember seeing them it will check when I get home in case they were in the bag with the handbook. Thanks

 

[cyberknight]

AFAIK the new tdf comes with claris ,sound to me like you either need to flip the stem,buy a shorter stem or a more angled stem.First of all get you saddle height and set back sorted and then look at your reach and drop to the bars.If I drop my bar height any more I immediately feel to stretched out .