need help with brakes

[vivivi]

Hi there,
I got nice vintage Torpado as a birthday present, when I went for my first ride I realised that brakes are not just very tight but I find it very difficult to reach them.
I am pretty small girl so was wondering is there any other dropdown levers I could get, but still keep the vintage look? Ive been looking at maybe getting cyclocross levers, but seems like people have split opinions about them, also probably wont help me if I don't feel comfortable to reach the main brakes, specially cycling in London.

Would appreciate any help, thanks heaps

 

[Big Block]

Welcome to the Forum, and a nicely presented bike!
We probably need clarification on what you mean by "but I find it very difficult to reach them"
it could be that the stem is too long, the bars are the wrong shape or the levers are in the wrong position, or your hand is smaller than usual.

This article may help
https://www.stevehoggbikefitting.com/bi ... sitioning/
in that article, he offers suggestions if your hand is small.

If your hands are small for the lever reach there are a few articles you can read through
https://www.google.com.au/search?rlz=1C ... mKWAgjeMDw

 

[Jamiedyer]

Hi vivivi
I know what you mean by reach, I have small hands and find some levers, especially some of the older brands or styles a real stretch.
Generally for STI type levers, Campagnolo are a slightly better fit/feel.
If it's just for the brake levers on your Torpado then Cane Creek do a small close reach lever, it has two positions from memory. I am not a 100% sure whether it comes in a non aero type lever such as yours but I think they do from memory. I have a set of the similar style Tektro compact levers on my Surly Long Haul trucker and they are great, really comfortable as well as a good easy reach.
Found the link to the Cane Creek versions SCR5c with the c being for compact (small hands)
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/cane ... -prod27937
Hope this helps.
Good articles there too Big Block, cheers

Jamie

 

[bagpuss]

Re:

Long standing issue for ladies,and it still is.
https://totalwomenscycling.com/lifestyl ... annah-lord

A friend of mine uses vintage junior levers on his wifes bicycles. However these are straight bars. I think GB used to make short levers for drop bars.

He has boxes of levers , I will ask him if he has a pair that may solve your problem.

 

[cce]

tektro do a junior brake lever for drops, the RL320

you can see from this article they're quite a lot smaller

http://smutpedaller.blogspot.co.uk/2015 ... reach.html