Getting Roadbike fit for large body

In my continuing quest to become a road rider....

I'm going to take my road bike in to the LBS soon and have it "fit." I'd LOVE the advice of the larger riders who have gotten comfortable on their road bikes. I know, for example, that I would like a more upright position. Having been back on the hybrid for a while post-crash - and now taking my Giant OCR out for some short get-acquainted spins - I'm aware that even with my hands on the flats, I can feel that the tops of my thighs meet my tummy. Not so comfortable - (and I'm always going to be somewhat apple shaped..I'm about a size 18 now, and do good ab work, but I don't think that at age 46, I'll turn into a different...fruit:rolleyes: ) That issue also makes it hard to do good breathing in the hoods, let alone the drops! Im-possible!!

I just read somewhere that hands-on-the-flats is the position of least control. True? That interests me, as I find the steering on the road bike so "touchy!" Anything that helps me feel more stable is welcome.

Are there any recommendations/caveats from my rider friends? There is a big strong woman who works at the shop part-time (Liz, if you're lurking, hi and let's talk soon) so I think they'll be somewhat familiar with some of my issues.

Thanks....

When you're talking about the flat parts I assume you're not talking about the drops. It sounds like your handlebars are too low.

I'm not a big rider but before I had my handlebars raised my thighs hit my ribcage when I was in the drops. Riding in the drops was definitely uncomfortable. My short arms required a rise of 4cm, not to sit upright but to be in a neutral poisition! My LBS had a very good reputation for fittings cyclists but they missed my short arm issue. I had to go to a Serotta trained fitter to find the problem.

I don't necessarily find riding on the tops unstable, most of the time I'm on my hoods but I do move all around the handlebars. I particularly use the top of the bar for climbing. For downhills I'm in my drops.

How well qualified is your LBS to do fittings? How much have you read about fittings? I just got Andy Pruitt's book and he says a lot about what to look for in bike fit. Be sure you can communicate where you're problem areas are. The more you know about what you want the better fit you'll get.