Originally Posted by
Aubergine
Let me offer a bit of practical advice, outside of the discussion of how to position your brakes on the bar.
On any bicycle where you need to lean forward, you should use primarily your stomach and back muscles to hold yourself in place. When you do this, you can take the weight off your wrists. Next time you're in the bike, stay in your normal riding position, but consciously feel what happens when you lift your hands from the hoods. You'll feel your stomach and back muscles go to work. That's what you want to use to keep yourself loose and comfortable.
This is sound advise. This becomes easier if you ride with plenty of saddle setback. I would like to add that you can strengthen your lower back in the gym by doing deadlifts or kettlebell exercises. Also, upper back and shoulder pain can be alleviated by strengthening the trapezius muscle by doing dumbbell shrugs. I'm a huge proponent of both upper and lower body strength training for cycling - both to increase power and to alleviate pain.
Sean