Comfortable the first time I put them on. Super cute design. These are fine for casual use, if you plan on running over a mile a day these are a no go. Dont accept "no" for an answer, even if it means adopting a "reality distortion field". 4A. I dont mind putting my road bike in a conventional stand because it is so light and the crossbar is horizontal. In January, my husband bought me these, because mine were a bit old. If you plan to use this for airplanes, be aware that when full this will not fit under the seats. 5 is so much bigger! i have twisted and turned them every possible way and i just cant get them seated right.