When I first got my road bike (Specialized Ruby) my hands and forearms hurt after a long ride. I slightly tilted the handlebar up so that the area between my thumb and forefinger rests comfortably, and the pain was gone.

Then I got a Bike Friday that was pre-owned. After it's maiden voyage of 45 miles my hands were killing me because the reach was too extended and all the weight was on my hands. I was leaning too far forward. I went to a bike store and bought an adjustable stem. Pain gone.

I think it's all in bike fit. Your hands should be able to rest in a relaxed position on the handlebars. Imagine where your hands would like to be if they were relaxed (in the air) and then get the handlebars to be where your hands were. It worked for my both times.