Checking back in...Velogirl, I did check my form--good reminder, but that wasn't it. Took the bike back to LBS and we adjusted the seat backward a bit. (Jeff, your comment on "too much pressure on the hands" was a good tip.) Feels a LOT better. LBS guy says ride it awhile and if it's not just right we'll try a bit longer stem. Great!

RedHairedScot, as predicted, while I was at the LBS browsing around I fell hard for those pretty LeMond road bikes...:) Hope your group ride went well.

Padded riding gloves, sometimes a different grip.
Soft 'foamy' grips feel soft, but require more clenched hands = fatigue. Smaller\ firmer grips work better IMO, you can clench the hand easier.
Considering the tactile aspect of the grip, a really nice one feels really nice! :D

If you buy your bike a gift, these are a bit expensive and totally awesome.
They look uncomfortable..but are very soft rubber on a harder compound sleeve.
The grip part is replaceable, the collars unscrew with an Allen hex key.
Your mechanic will love you if he\she ever needs to take your levers off.

http://www.stifsport.com/gear/select...?productID=854

Not good for a bike that's left somewhere a thief could take parts...where no good bike should be.
Don't skimp on your lock.
Around 10% of the bikes worth seems a good ratio.

Oh..and you can tilt the nose of the saddle a few degrees, this also changes the pressure on your hands.
I fiddle with my seat position lots, it takes a while to get the 'sweet spot'.

Just wait until you start shopping for a new saddle.....I tried like 7?.