Originally Posted by
beng1
I am usually always down on the drops, because the brakes do not work well enough with the upper levers to do any good. I will have to work on that someday when I get a chance. I am sixty years old.
By the position of the saddle it seems the top tube is too long for you. If you want to try and fix it up without spending a lot you could try a tall Nitto stem. A tall, short stem will bring the bar up and back toward you.
Reposition the brake levers up a bit and get some padded bar tape. I've even double wrapped the bar tape on a stiff riding bike.
Some new pads and maybe even new cables will probably help the brakes a bit.
Also, work on supporting your upper body with your core muscles instead of leaning on your hands so much. You should be able to motor along with just a light pressure on your hands, even ride with your hands just "floating" above the bars.