Padded Hoods?
 

Since I put drops on my commuter, the biggest thing I've noticed is that it's faster but less comfortable.

I imagine the back discomfort is largely from being in such a new position as that's been getting easier. What I haven't solved though is my hand-taint on the hoods getting sore. By hand-taint i'm referring to the area between my thumb and forefinger that rests on the hoods.

My gloves have padding on the lower palms, but nothing for the hand-taint. It may be my hoods (Non-STI Shimano Tiagra-level) that are shaped a little funny, maybe positioned a little too high, not sure. Any advice for hand discomfort from being on the hoods?

Its likely due to too much weight on the hands. Could be from the bike not being sized right. But before you start throwing money at parts...

Try this, move the seat all the way back. It sounds counterintuitive, but it gets your center of gravity back and takes weight off your hands. Another trick is to bend in the middle of your back, not at you hips. This also moves the weight back and takes weight off your hands.

I had this problem, and by purchasing gloves with LESS padding, my problem was solved. It sounds counter intuitive, but because my gloves were so padded, I had a death grip on the hoods.

The bike fits me pretty well, as do the bars. I work at a LBS and had the manager give me a fitting to make sure things were sized right. He suggested against moving the seat fore or aft since I'm running single speed and will be moving myself around the saddle to adapt to the road. He also suggested bending at the hips rather than mid-back. (where's the dizzy smilie face?)

Scientific method-trial and error. You are doing it your manager's way and its not working, whats to lose by trying my way and seeing what happens, you can always move the seat forward again.

Trial and error. I ride almost everyday as I commute to school (20-30 miles round trip depending on route) and find myself constantly tinkering with my position to achieve the max comfort and performance out of my bike. You really will only find what works for you by trying as many options as possible. Also try resting on the heels of your palm and not so much that soft tissue.

You could try putting a spare piece of bar tape under the hood cover for more padding.. you may just need to rotate your bars or move your brakes down some to get a better platform for your hands. I had the same issue with both of my bikes until i did just that. i wear gloves with no padding.

San R i'm pretty sure you're not supposed to adjust your saddle for reach issues. Saddle up/ down and fore/aft is for knee alignment. If he throws it way back then his hand problems could change to knee problems.

flip it! get a stem that has more rise. the larger rise means a more comfertable postion for hands, back and neck. however its less aero, but you can always flip it down. try removing the spacers from the headset, i found when i lowered mine it lessen the hand pain i have, and the 8 degree rise help with neck pain when riding in drops.