Quote Originally Posted by jordanjustgo View Post
alas, i do not wear gloves while i ride :\ i was waiting until i did longer, more intensive rides before buying a pair...
Gloves, gloves, gloves, get gloves They are also important in heloing to protect the skin on your hands from getting torn up should you have a spill.

I ride 2-inch riser bars on both of my road bikes, and also use Ergon Grips (these rock). You may not need 2-inch risers, but they are more comfortable than true flat bars. The Ergon grips are an inexpensive way to make your hands more comfortable - but you do still need gloves I have the Ergon GS3 on my mountain bike (they were for another bike but don't work with my grip shifters). The bar ends are adjustable, soft, and gives more hand positions. Here is a version without the bar end.

They make a real difference.