How to fit shims to brakes?

[Geoff Crowther]

Hi folks
My lovely wife's just bought her first road bike; 2014 Cube Axial.
She has tiny hands and her first forays have proved the brakes and changers are really hard for her to operate.
My research on here found these shims http://www.freeborn.co.uk/specialized-slim-shims-2014?gclid=CNDfrJ6DiLsCFa3KtAody2gAyQ which look, to a novice like me, as the obvious answer.
We could take it back to the shop but I kinda feel it'd be quicker just to order these and fit 'em myself.
So, fundamental question, how do you fit 'em. Do you just release the brake cable, stick the shims in and readjust in new position?
Grateful for any advice, ladies and gentlemen.
By the way, the bike is Sora equipped. It's a triple with a 9 speed cassette.
Cheers all.

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

no need to release the brake cable. hold the brakes on an slot into the gap (it helps if you peel back the rubbers over the STI levers - makes it more obvious where they fit). My road bike has 8 degree wedges in place on both levers.

 

[Kbrook]

I have fitted shims before you don't have to release the brake cable you just press the lever in and they slot in. If I remember correctly the shimano ones didnt fit the Sora levers so I would check before buying.

 

[J1780]

There's a very handy video for this on the 'ask a mechanic' page on you tube. There's lots of usefull videos for beginners etc.

 

[Geoff Crowther]

Thank you for those useful replies folks.
We popped down into Evans in Manchester and picked up a couple of the standard rubber shims (free) which are already fitted and ordered some Specialized ones (£5.99 inc p&p) which are a universal (ish) fit so they reckon they'll be ok for Soras.
We were helped by a very friendly and competent girl in there and she also advised Chrissie on a slightly softer saddle.
Back home, I cut the stubs off the rubber shims and stuck 'em on top of the ones already there with a sticky pad and, hey presto, Chrissie can now use her brakes. I'll see what the Specialized shims look like and will probably fit them or make a more permanent job by gluing the two shims we have now together.
Also fitted Chrissie's new Specialized Riva saddle. Cost just £25 and she finds that much comfier too.
Thank God for the internet and Cycle Chat. Before this morning I didn't know you could adjust reach like this and poor Chrissie had been at her wits end.
Thanks again all.

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

Thank you for those useful replies folks.
We popped down into Evans in Manchester and picked up a couple of the standard rubber shims (free) which are already fitted and ordered some Specialized ones (£5.99 inc p&p) which are a universal (ish) fit so they reckon they'll be ok for Soras.
We were helped by a very friendly and competent girl in there and she also advised Chrissie on a slightly softer saddle.
Back home, I cut the stubs off the rubber shims and stuck 'em on top of the ones already there with a sticky pad and, hey presto, Chrissie can now use her brakes. I'll see what the Specialized shims look like and will probably fit them or make a more permanent job by gluing the two shims we have now together.
Also fitted Chrissie's new Specialized Riva saddle. Cost just £25 and she finds that much comfier too.
Thank God for the internet and Cycle Chat. Before this morning I didn't know you could adjust reach like this and poor Chrissie had been at her wits end.
Thanks again all.

If she still has issues - even with 8 degree shims fitted, I still have grip issues, you can also fit cross levers which are in-line brakes that go across the tops of the drops and have much better pulling power than the sti levers do. It does mean that at least 1 hand needs have have moved from the drops/hoods to the flat top to cover the brakes if you feel a tad unsure, but the power from them is considerable and could be worth just knowing about for any future developments...

this sort of thing (wiggle) but you have to get the right size for your bars....

 

[Geoff Crowther]

If she still has issues - even with 8 degree shims fitted, I still have grip issues, you can also fit cross levers which are in-line brakes that go across the tops of the drops and have much better pulling power than the sti levers do. It does mean that at least 1 hand needs have have moved from the drops/hoods to the flat top to cover the brakes if you feel a tad unsure, but the power from them is considerable and could be worth just knowing about for any future developments...

this sort of thing (wiggle) but you have to get the right size for your bars....

Many thanks but I think we're now on the road to the solution. I will bear this in mind though.
Cheers
Geoff