eclectic -- numb foot after 12 miles sounds VERY familiar! And today, on my first real ride with the new clipless pedals, no numbness! How cool!

Terpin -- hand pain/numbness -- I haven't got drops on my comfort-beast, and I don't recall seeing what style your bike is, but mine is Specialized too, and if you've got similar handgrips to mine, you might need to adjust them a bit. Bike guy told me at one point, when I was having some issues, that the handgrip -- it has that sort of pointy part that makes a nice wide flat area -- that should stick out in such a way that the flat is parallel to the ground, sort of, so that the heel of your hand is resting on flat. If you're on the pointy part, OUCH. Another trick I've used when aching is to not wrap my thumb around the bar -- death grip is not possible if you do this, and that relaxes your hand!

One thing I've learned very well in 500 miles: if there's something that hurts when you ride, the bike guys can help! Even if the best description you can give is "it feels like old lady elbows," they can help! Talk to your bike guy!

Karen in Boise