I have found that if I grip the bar my hands can get a bit sore but if I bring my thumbs over and rest rather than grip it's fine. (also tucks them in and keeps them warm at 6:30 on a cold morning!)
Went out for a couple of hours Sat am and had no probs when alternating 'grip' style. Long straight stretches I 'rested' my hands and climbing I gripped (needed my thumb for the gears) and on a couple of big hills used the side bars.
Have a few mods, flat/clipless combo pedals, and 700x28 armadillos but all in all I am liking this Blade2 more and more.