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.