Right now I'm still wearing winter neoprene...cheap ones from Performance, and they are comfortable, though I just ordered some windbreaker shells to go on the outside for wind and descents. For summer, I still am using the first pair of cheap Performance gloves I got about 4-5 years ago.

They work fine for me. One thing I like to do on really long rides is to smear a little neosporin in that space at the base of my thumb, between thumb and 1st finger. The bit of lube seems to condition my skin there and keeps soreness away. I suppose something like Butt'r would work, too.

BCIPam, re: mountain gear for roadies...I only ride on the road, but all my friends tease me because of my weird mix of stuff. I have a road bike with a mountain bike saddle, mountain gearing on the back, and aero bars on the front. I wear fun roadie clothes, helmet, etc, and MB spd shoes. It all works for me!