SRAM Red Hoods Uncomfortable?

[ZeroPlay]

Does anyone else find SRAM Red brake lever hoods uncomfortable?

 

Mine have a definite bump (or bulge) on top where they meet the bars and it tends to press into my palms when riding on the hoods and eventually cause some discomfort.

 

I'm wondering if this is caused by the bars and levers not matching well.  I have some FSA compact bars with a very round (classic) curve.

 

Or maybe it's caused by the way I've wrapped my bar tape?  There is a single layer under the hoods at the bulge, but I can't seem to wrap the bars any other way without leaving gaps in the tape.

 

Or maybe it's just the way the hoods and levers are designed?

 

Most reviews rave about the comfort of SRAM Red hoods and levers, but I'm experiencing the opposite.

[Schwynn]

Post a pic. That way suggestions are way easier. I shouldn't think that the red hoods are any different in design to the back ones.

[Wyatt Earp]

Have another good look at that bar tape.

[orbeaorca]

Maybe this helps you. My friend found that the red hoods caused him to overreach compared to his DA and he shortened his stem. I have found mine to be very comfartable but you do ride in slightly different position.

[slowtwitch]

Change to Dura Ace

[splat]

Hudz have a slightly different shape apparently. And they come in several colours (including red..)

 

http://www.grabthehudz.com/products.html

 

 

[ZeroPlay]

Thanks for the responses so far.

 

Can those of you who have SRAM red plese do me a favour an check if your bartape runs under the hood on the top of the lever where your palm would rest?  Maybe it is the bar tape causing the bump on mine?

 

A photo of how your tape is wrapped in that area would also be great (if you find your SRAM Red levers and hoods comfy) if possible.

 

Thanks.

[Jason]

The SRAM hood covers do seem a little flimsy/soft and less padded compared to the Dura Ace/ Campy ones but as far as them hurting, not for me, yet.

 

Talking about hood covers, where can one buy different colored ones? I'm in Gauteng and looking for black. I'm thinking Cycletech but are there any other cycle shops that stock them?

 

 

[splat]

I have seen Hudz @ Cyclelab (here in Cape Town)

[Edition 507]

Funny that you mention it now, but I have felt slight discomfort before and then during the Vasbyt my SRAM Reds were hurting my hands just as you described ZeroPlay. I put it down to distance, rough potholed roads and very hard tubbies, but I may have to take a closer look 'cos if it is the case Panorama is going to be murder on my hands

By the way, I have also shortened my stem and find it much more comfortable so there is definitely a change in position between DA and SRAM Red.

[Alida]

Zeroplay I can't say I find my SRAM Red hoods uncomfy - if anything they're more comfortable to me than when I'm on the bike I have Campy on.  I'll take a look tonight and see if I can see anything funny or different between the way the two bikes are setup (bartape/hoods/bars/cables etc)

[ShortLegs]

Try not wrapping the bar-tape under the hoods too much and ensure that the hoods are seated properly without any protrusions.

I too find that the reach is slightly more than my previous Dura Ace because of the flatter profile of the SRAM's. I've got Ritchey WCS bars and the transitions is just about perfect.

[Jason]

 

That looks better

 

 

[ShortLegs]

I think I'm gonna puke

 

Please refrain from defiling perfection Jase 

[Matchstix]

I think with the SRAM hood handle bar shape might play a role. My take is the hood shape is best of both shimano and campaq.

The sram hod will work better eith a bar with a sharper bens at the top. You positioning is also important

 

[Flemish Lion]