I switched from riding a comfort bike to a road bike about three weeks ago. Going from a VERY upright position to the forward position has been tough on my old body. I love my new ride but it is taking some getting use to. I ride on top or the hoods only. The drops won't be happening for a while. I definitely need to be thinking about upper body training! I also had brake levers install on top. I brake on top and shift from the hoods. I feel the most stability when riding on the hoods. I'm not sure if it's the riding position, a lighter bike or those skinny little tires that make for a somewhat scary ride. It's kinda like driving on ice, no sudden moves. The first week every ride was a love/hate/scared thing. But love has prevailed as I find I'm ride more and longer. When I hit a long stretch of road and just hunker down and pedel . . . it's wonderful. It's about a 10 mile ride to my LBS and I have been making that my Monday AM ride for tweeks and adjustments. This was the bike that was the most comfortable, but it/I still need lots of little adjustments. I did have a taller handle bar stem put on and that helped a lot. So go for a fitting and keep up the short rides. Hopfully everything will mesh for you. bikerhen