Thanks for the replies and suggestions, especially tsi. Relieved to know I'm not the only one who hasn't taken to drops like a duck to water.

I know I will probably tinker about with things a bit before I get it completely right, but I think my current set-up is not far from right for me especially when I adjust to the factors related to my conditioning and years of riding flat bars.

Here's a pic of the bike, with bars set at roughly seat height.



I'm looking forward to riding it for longer distances and am hoping to fit in a week-long touring holiday around Wales next summer staying at country pubs - probably fitting a triple chain set for that.