Quote Originally Posted by shewhobikes
That's one reason I love this board. Everybody knows so much and they're happy to help! Sounds like the ticket. I will discuss w/LBS asap. Had no idea they sold these separately (much less, what to call them in a google search...) Thanks again, Veronica.
With the same search, I found the second link had a photo of a women-specific handlebar, made by Terry, shaped to bring your hands closer to the levers. That sounds like a good solution to me.

Oh, and the brake extension thingies? I've only heard bad things. You can't apply proper force to the brakes, making emergency stopping difficult and dangerous.

I only ride in the drops for long fast descents, and I suppose I'll have to learn to sprint in the drops if I start racing, but otherwise my hands are on the hoods or the tops for effective leverage and/or to open my chest during strenuous (climbing) efforts. When and why are you in the drops?