Hoods, bars, drops?

Hoods generally for me with tops when climbing. I use the drops if the road is flat and/or if there is a head or side wind and when descending; I'd use them more if I shed a bit of upholstery too.

As others have said, a decent pair of gloves should help. Are you leaning heavily on your arms/hands?

You'll get used to it. Good mitts will help if you weren't wearing any. After a few rides you'll find the best position for your hands on the hoods and the hoods are where most people ride most of the time.

Here I am (lol)

Tend to agree, never venture out of the drops.

The only exceptions? An alp. Or perhaps if you have sora (or other campagnolo imitates).

Where's Raleigh? Has term started already? Is he in the library? I'll say it then:

DROPS DROPS DROPS

Or wherever you feel most comfortable. Cycling mitts will help: they should have padding at the base of the thumb.

Hoods for normal riding and climbing and drops for descending or anything fast. Rarely use tops at all.

Hoods most of the time.

Tops for climbing as it opens your chest for breathing.

Drops for descending, fast cornering, sprinting, wind etc.

I ride hoods most of the time. Tops for climbing seated and drops for descending.

i use the hoods most of the time too but switching positions to the tops or drops every now and then definitely helps to prevent your hands getting sore/numb