When in doubt start by checking out the excellent online service information at www.parktool.com/repair . In the end though you won't really find that these aero style levers are any better for reaching down to the levers from the hoods. The hoods on them are still pretty "meaty".

You may find that you get your best results by switching the Modolo single pivot calipers over to dual pivot models from Tektro. The dual pivot style offers more mechanical advantage so the effort you can apply at the levers does more.