It sounds like you have had some good advice already... but thought that I would add this. You mention that the brake levers are too far away from the handlebar... is that correct? The obvious would be to replace the levers, which will be somewhat costly. The other suggestion would be to replace the handlebar... different bars are shaped differently and the ergo bars might be just what you need. Most bars are shaped to put your hands closer to the lever(meaning that it feels dented or twisted at that point) are your handlebars like that? If not, that might be another alternative. They also do make levers for smaller hands... as a last alternative. Good luck!