Thanks for the comments. An appropriate fit is everything, isn't it? We have a tandem for which we had a professional fitting ... love riding that! My current bike is very comfortable as my husband used the tandem fitting to adjust my Giant - but as I said, my goal is to "graduate" to drop bars. The core issue is out there too - I was not in terrific physical shape when I started riding, but my lungs are starting to catch up with my legs. I need to find time for some core strengthening workouts. This fitness stuff is sure time consuming, isn't it??? Good thing it's worth it! Will update on my progress. Thanks again!!