Hi,
see if you can't find a Ritchey BioMax bar, and see how it feels.
I have the $60 version, and it absorbs a certain amount of road shock in addition to being comfier than most bars. I have the SPecialized Bar Phat, but I haven't tried it yet. I used another pad lst year, and while I didn't care for that particular product, I am sold on the idea.

I have a Brooks that has springs, that helps. Larger tires (at a lower pressure) help. Raising the bars helps (Google "Rasie dat stem"). I REALLY like Grip Shapes ( http://www.offthefront.com/sports.htm ). I used 2 pair last year, I may put three pair on my bars this year!