First Road Bike

[mjr]

as coming from a hybrid, the drops might put more stress on to your back if not used to the position.

I use the hoods a lot, but (although I remember @fossyant has been injured), using the drops might tire your core muscles if anything because they might not be used to be the extra demands, but I don't think it should stress the back; and secondly, the bars shouldn't be so low that it's physically uncomfortable to use the drops. Sheldon Brown's site has a far more eloquent page on handlebar height than I would write: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/handsup.html

 

[fossyant]

Many people struggle with road bike positioning at first hence the suggestion at using the tops.

 

[mjr]

Many people struggle with road bike positioning at first hence the suggestion at using the tops.

I thought you were suggesting the hoods, which is a much better idea (quicker access to brakes).

 

[Mr Celine]

.I am super clumsy (I fell off going up a 2inch kerb last year resulting in a fractured elbow) and feel like I might need the extra safety net!!

I did that on my hybrid two years ago and still can't straighten my arm properly. I've had several 'offs' and clipless moments on the hybrid but have only had one crash on my road bike.

And I agree with @mjr about the brakes. My sole reason for buying a hybrid in the first place was that due to arthritis my hands were not strong enough to work the brakes on any road bike I tried at the LBS.
Following a change in medication which controls the arthritis I can now ride a road bike. I can lift the back wheel when braking from the drops but still can't do that from the hoods.