Thanks JunkYard Bike and cyclotoine for the brake recommendations. I will be looking into those this weekend for sure.

As for the handling, yes, it is my first experience with drop bars and I am finding the difference in handling to be pretty significant at low speeds. Bear in mind that I've been riding *heavy* bikes with flat or English style handlebars! The simultaneous switch from platform to toe-clip pedals is also a factor. I'm getting used to it though, and I'm sure in a couple of weeks I will feel completely confident. I tend to have a bit more of a learning curve than some people in physical skills - I get there, but sometimes a little more slowly. Legacy of a klutzy childhood I think!

By the time I got home yesterday I was already feeling more relaxed in the new position. I think I will raise the bars a tad just until I get more used to them - right now they are about an inch above the seat, which is still pretty relaxed, but maybe I will go another inch up just for a little while.