I'm not sure if this is the right forum, but here goes...

I currently have some 42cm (C-C) handlebars on my bike, and it HURTS my hands to reach the handlebars, I feel as if my hands are really stretched. This is mostly from trying to brake with my hands on the hoods.

Now, my shoulders are much narrower than my handlebars, but the question is, can too wide handlebars really make it that much harder to brake? I've tried the brake lever shims from Shimano and they really didn't help.

Thanks!