Originally Posted by mdilthey

My shop used to wrap my bars in two or maybe three layers of tape, with the assumption that since I was touring, I "needed" it.

I didn't. I've gone all the way down to a single layer of tight-fitting Fizik tape, where there's almost nothing, and with my gloves I was perfectly happy. Right now I have Sram Supercork tape, just the cheap $20 sram tape, and that's it, and I've never had hand pain. Never!

I chalk it up to good, wide tires on the front (though, I have no problems with my narrower 28's either).

On top of that, my riding position is good, with my elbows slightly bent to absorb shock. If your arms are straight, no amount of tape will protect your wrists.