Quote Originally Posted by kaian View Post
Hmmm...I took a look at the touring bikes and I feel like they aren't really what I want/need. I am not going to do any loaded touring and the thought of big tires is kind of unattractive to me at this point. I may do some "touring" down the road, but what I do most are rides between 50-100 miles. Are there other bikes I may want to consider in the future (if the issues continue)? Are the Trek Pilots more upright than the 1500?

I think I would like to stick with 23-25 tires/wheels and something lightweight, but just more upright, relaxed geometry. I ride with other roadies and I have a feeling that I wouldn't keep up as well with a heavier touring bike. I'd like to keep it in the lightweight range. I've also wondered if a change of materials would help at all - in other words, riding steel or carbon as opposed to aluminum. Not sure if that would help the neck problem though.

I really appreciate all of the comments/suggestions.
I do understand what you are saying about touring bikes.
But I would like to just point out that my DH and my steel Rivendells have 700x27cm smooth tires (not knobby), we don't put any heavy touring loads on them (yet), they are pretty quick and lively on the road, and they weigh 25 pounds with everything on them including a saddlebag with tools and tube, and water bottles. Not that heavy really. The handlebars are at the same height as the saddles- very easy on the back and neck. Touring bikes are not necessarily slow heavy clunkers with tank treads.

Mimi's bike sounds well worth checking into as well.

Jamis Bikes makes some less expensive bikes with slightly relaxed or touring geometry too. (not very heavy either)

If you are looking for a very lightweight bike that is going to give you a better neck position, I envision that might be less easy to find. The reason?- the people looking for very lightweight bikes are usually seeking fast racing bikes....and fast racing bikes are the very bikes that usually put the rider in an extreme racing position which will be hard on the neck. Most hybrid bikes will put you in a more upright position...but hybrids are not generally very lightweight bikes.

You ride long distances- 50-100 mile rides. I would think you'd feel best on a bike with relaxed geometry made for distance riding.
Ok, I'll stop now!