AroW

I guess I am not used to riding a road bike because I just went out today and noticed my arms were straight all the way(I heard they were supposed to be bent). Also, where do I apply the most pressure on? Thanks!

cooker

Depending on how hard core you want to be, the top of your handlebars should either be level with your seat or up to several inches lower. Most people ride with their hands on the upper part of bar most of the time, either close to the stem ("the tops"), a little wider where the bars curve forward ("the corners") or on top of the brake hoods ("the hoods"). They only go into the lower part of the bar (the drops) occasionally when they want to be very aerodynamic such as riding into a headwind, or perhaps going down a steep hill when they want to be able to squeeze the brakes most effectively. Most people shift hand position from time to time.

Ideally your arms should be slightly bent, and if you keep pedalling, the force of your feet pushing down on the pedals helps support your torso so you aren't resting too much weight on your arms and they don't get too tired. In fact during a sprint, your feet push your torso up so hard you have to pull down on the bars.

If your arms are straight, your bars may be too low or too far forward, and you may need to adjust or change your stem or otherwise shift the position of the bars.

JonnyV

You can lock yourself in a wind tunnel for days on end or have someone critque your position but when it comes down to it, the correct position and posture will always be the comfortable ones.

AroW

I didnt lean over as much today on my first ride and kind of put my hands behind the brakes(dangerous, I know) until I needed them. I think I was putting my hands on "the corners" portion. If I put my arms onto 'the hoods" then my arms would be slightly bent but it just felt kind of awkward.

Also I felt alot of wind pushing me back and even though it indeed was windy today I think I was too upright. I will try again tomorrow and see what happens

RussB

You should have your elbows bent for a few reasons.
Your arms can absorb the bumps and road vibrations, better control of your bike.
It allows you to control your steering with your hips using your balance, (leaning into the turns).
Eases hand numbness.
It also helps to relax your upper body. Using your energy for your legs where you need it.

cooker

Not too dangerous. If you're driving a car you don't necessarily keep your foot on the brake all the time. Lots of us ride on the tops or corners, a little away from the brakes. You might want to practise quickly moving your hands to the brakes from wherever you prefer to keep them, so you'll be able to do it smoothly when you need to, and if you're riding along and you see a potential hazard ahead, like a car approaching from the side that might not stop, move your hands to the brakes in anticipation.