I've just come back in from my first ever outing on a road bike.

I live on the west Pennines so there are quite a few hills. when decending the palms of my hands where aching really badly whilst trying to brake (I had to stop quite a few times to shake them off).

my hands where positioned on top of the bars.

I feel I have the bike set up correctly (with regards to saddle height & position)

I thought maybe the brakes could be adjusted so I don't have to reach with my fingers quite as much? or adjusted so I don't have to apply as much pressure?

the bike is a planet x sl with sram red.

the gears also kept jumping a little too (and after putting it in the lowest gear it changed back down its self)