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IV got a gravel bike and I'm trying to get it set up nice. I mainly use it for trail riding not so much on the road and I also spend very little time on the lowers as I like to throw it around abit on the trails I ride. I haven't got massive hands and I sometimes struggle to get a good pull on the brakes from the hoods, I'm also quite stretched out when I'm on the hoods, what options do I have available?I was thinking a smaller stem but I'm only really stretched out when I am on the hoods and reaching for the brakes.
Just built myself a SS 'gravel' bike using a CX frame I had around - using some Genetic Digest flared bars, I've got them set level with saddle and fitted a shorter 6cm stem in comparison to my regular 9cm 'road' bar set up. Means the drops aren't too deep and easily reachable without throwing the weight too far forward.
what brakes have you got, some of them (especially the hydraulic ones) have very long hoods which can make a big difference, even on bikes that would otherwise fit perfectly
get used to riding in the drops if you can, you'll have far much more control of the bike, and an easier pull on the brakes
Raise the stem and use the drops. You'll handle rough stuff much better in the drops.
Also consider a flared bar. I like Woodchippers though I appreciate they're maybe too extreme for some. Riding in the drops, you almost automatically end up in the Attack Position.
This is what I have on it at the moment
Voodoo flared alloy, 131mm drop, 75mm reach
As above - try raising the stem a little if you're uncomfortable riding in the drops. Even flipping it will make a difference. That's assuming that the bike is the right size too.
a shorter stem could help but also check the angle of the bars and brake hoods are level or angled slightly upwards so your weight rests on them and it doesn't feel like you're trying to stop your hands sliding forwards. If it's not a position you're used to then it might feel stretched out but try this before fitting a new stem.
Some shifter/levers can also be fitted with shims to help bring them levers a bit closer to the bar as well.