LadyRose:
1) Welcome to the forum.
2) Do consult Sheldon's website for a remarkably comprehensive education on bicycles.
3) If you are using standard "drop" type road handlebars, the easiest initial position for you may be with your hands atop the brake levers. You may also want to start with a short-reach handlebar stem, switching back to the original longer one as you get more confident and comfortable with the bent-forward position.
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069