You already have great answers for the problem stem, so I'll go with the glove question. Any gel padded glove should help you with the numbness in your hands. None will totally prevent numb hands, but the better padded gloves will make any numbness tolerable. I use Giro padded gloves, and there are many endless styles and prices for padded gloves available. It's really best if you can find a pair at the LBS because proper sizing seems to be somewhat difficult when switching between different brands and styles. If the gloves are leather you end up liking, remember that leather will tend to shrink up a tiny bit after the gloves get dampened with perspiration. Leather gloves should also be treated with a leather preservative so they last longer.