I agree with Eden who agrees with Deb. My LBS built the bike with the brake hoods level. I'm rarely in the drops unless climbing or accelerating but even then I mostly ride from the top of the bars or the hoods. I'm comfortable braking from the hoods with just two fingers. It's a rare day that I have to grab a handful of brake but if so I do I can do it from there. My hands are very small and yet this works for me.