I'm assuming your bike has Shimano shifters/brake levers. I've noticed the same thing on the longer test rides I've done on bikes that have Shimano - mainly thumb pain. However, last week I got to experience riding a bike with Campy components. While I did not like the shifting itself (very herky-jerky, but I think that is because I had the lowest end components - Mirage; although I've read that Campy needs to be "broken in" to get rid of that stiff, notchy shifting, and I was riding a brand new bike so maybe that was it), I had no hand/thumb/wrist pain. Campy doesn't have that big ol' brake hood bump that Shimano has - better for my smaller hands, methinks. But, what do I know! I'm still a newbie. Maybe SadieKatie can join in on the Shimano v. Campy debate - I know she has some opinions!