I bought my back-to-cycling bike because the seat was comfy...it never occurred to me I could buy a different seat if need be.

And Surg, 51 ain't old. I ride with several women who are in their 50's, a couple in their 60's, and 1 in her 70's...they all ride nice drop-bars roadbikes (and out ride my 46 year old butt). On my Trek 1500 I just had the shop swap out my stem for an adjustable one to take the pressure off my neck a bit, might be worth a try if that is a question for you as well.