I also call all of it "the drops." I have the exact same set up as Oak on my Kuota, and I can pretty much squeeze the levers from almost anywhere on the drops, my bars are so short and shallow. I really think it's this that is the determining factor, although I do need the short reach brifters. Case in point, on my other bike, I have the newer version of the R700s. They are about 2mm longer in reach, which really pissed me off, but even more important, the fancy bars that my shop put on are not as short and shallow. I have to be deep in the hooks to brake from there. I keep saying I am going to get different bars, but I've been lazy. I like the feeling of being really close and almost scrunched to my bars on my other bike. I have smallish hands with long fingers, so I am not one with super tiny hands, but more, overall petite stature. I have to wear size medium women's gloves, for reference.