OK....I do know that in general I lose circulation quickly (had frost bite when I was a child.) I do not feel any pain, definitly nothing like I feel from repetitive movements (like extended typing, suturing, or knitting.) I don't even realize it's happening till I move my hands or grip the brakes and realize that my ring fingers are numb. The handle bars are low rise flat bar with ergonomic grips. I've never used any other type of handle bars except North Roads.