Road bars, i.e. drop bars have the most hand position and are the most comfortable for that reason. Shimano brifters are safe, comfortable, and easy to use. Specialized S-Wrap Roubaix bar tape is very comfortable and durable. Best I've found. I don't use gel underpadding but some do. Gloves are very important IME. My faves are Bontrager RXL Gel gloves.

Position is the most important element of on-the-bike comfort. Of course the bike needs to be the right size. The saddle must be in the right location to reduce pressure on the hands. The reach must be long enough so that they become levers with hands on the end which go up and down a little. A good long reach also reduces pressure on the hands, which is the opposite of what one frequently reads on the web. The back needs to be straight, from butt to shoulders, the pelvis rolled forward enough to allow that. The upper arms should make a 90° angle with the torso when on the hoods or in the drops. These are the elements of position. They are much more important than exact equipment, though all of the above are tied into bike size, seatpost and saddle choice, and stem length.

http://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycli...discovery.html
Lovely Bicycle!: Drop Bar Hand Positions: an Introduction
http://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycli...l#post12953035