Cycling Sisters

A sister wrote to the list serve frustrated because most brakes are made for “gorilla” hands. Here are some of the ideas for making braking safer and easier for smaller-handed people:

1)Install shims
2)Install inline brake levers
3)Get adjustable-reach levers
4)Try brake levers made for “children's” bikes

Question: I'm having pain in my neck/shoulders and in my wrists after a recent switch to a road bike, any suggestions?

Summary of responses:
Check the relative height of the seat to the handlebars

1. raising or lowering the seat post (usually there us a lever or bolt on the long tube underneath where you sit. Recommended fit to start with is to have some one hold the bike while you get on. With your heel on the pedal, your legs should be straight when pedals are in lowest position. That way when you move to the ball of your foot for riding you will have a slight bend in your knees.)

Finding a bike that fits you and your riding style is extremely important. A poor bike fit may leave your wonderful new bike rusting away and gathering cobwebs in the closet. A good bike fit may lead you to abandon your automobile and never look back. Here's my story...

If this doesn't express the joy of riding a bike, I don't know what does. She was so excited to be out on this beautiful day... I only wish she had been riding a bike that fit her better. This was definitely either a loaner, a hand-me-down, or a "you'll grow into it" bike!