Recently, I bought a very slightly used road bike, which I've been wanting to have the guts to ride [it's a beauty.--a limited edition Terry]. I've been riding a Terry Classic--touring bike---so I'm used to riding more upright. In addition, the reach is great on the Classic, flat handlebar, there's no toe overlap because the front tire is smaller than the bike, etc. I've taken the new bike out a couple times just for spins around the block. The first thing that unsettled me is the different reach and having to position myself in a forward leaning position to reach the hoods. Not too big a deal. The things that are keeping me off the bike are my lack of confidence riding w/my hands on the hoods. I don't feel like I have good control of the bike and it's more difficult to apply the brakes than it is on the Classic (brakes and shift levers within easy reach). It feels like I have to really stretch my fingers/hands to operate the brakes. Then there's adjusting to the larger front tire and the inevitable toe overlap. I went ahead and got brake levels installed on the flats of the handlebars, but that isn't helping too much because I still have to go to the hoods to shift. I'm wobbly enough, given that I'm an "intermediate to advanced" beginner who's been riding regularly for about a year. I have tried riding in the drops---I'll leave that for after I can handle the hoods (haha). Do any of you experienced riders have any tips/advice? I'm actually thinking about taking the bike to a bike store and seeing if I can trade it in. Unforunately, I bought the Terry without test riding it first, which is something I will never, ever, ever do again.