Yes! The woman at LBS suggested that Campy is easier on the hands. I have never seen a bike with Campy components. Are there manufacturers that put them on their bikes? Or is this something I'd have to swap to after purchasing a bike? At what cost? That just goes against my grain -- spend $800 or more on a bike and then MORE money to remove the brand new Shimano components to put the Campy on?! I'm too frugal for that!

Please keep those ideas coming. I'm going to take this info with me when I go bike shopping! Thanks!