Flat bar or drops?

[Cataboo]

You can get a fairly upright road bike that you ride on the flats (there are handlebars that are flatting on the upper section to be wrist friendly)... and you can shift/brake using the hoods. That way you'll still have the drops if you want them going down a hill or to sprint.

[HillSlugger]

The Specialized Sequoia is a drop bar bike with relaxed geometry and a more upright posture. The Specialized Sirrus is a flat bar road bike. Both are definitely more zippy that your current bike,

[fidlfreek]

Basically, I think people are saying, don't be afraid to get a road bike w/ a drop bar and also w/ an easy riding geometry that puts you more upright. More of a "plush bike" is the industry term. The drops could just be an additional option for you to use whenever you felt comfortable. I see the drop bars as nothing but providing options.

[HillSlugger]

BTW, I rarely use the drop position on my drop bar bike (I'm much more comfortable on the hoods) but it's there when I need it.

[aicabsolut]

I'd say go with a compact drop bar. The advantages of a drop bar, even when you are not using the drops, is that you have more hand positions. It could be that just rotating the direction of your palms can help you find a comfortable spot relative to your neck problems.
Having a shallow drop bar means that when you do get in the drops, you won't notice a significant difference in how much more you have to look up to see enough. Use the drops sparingly, like when you need to do a lot of descending. Then, you don't need to necessarily look way up the road (you are kind of looking down the road anyway), but you will have some of the handling and stability advantages of a drop bar. You can also make drop bars fit you as relaxed as you need. If you have to crane your head up too much for your comfort, then you've gone to aggressive. A Specialized WSD bike will have a shorter reach (shorter TT) and a bit taller of a head tube. The Roubaix would fit you if WSD geometry (in the TT especially) isn't for you, because it is relaxed with a 2cm taller head tube than more aggressive bikes like the Tarmac or Allez. You may need average outward reach, but you don't want to go too low in front. If you like Specialized, I would look at the Roubaix and Ruby or Dolce. FYI, the Ruby has some aggressive bits to the fork rake and rear triangle that the Roubaix does not have (for handling, stiffness, and responsiveness purposes), but for sizing, the Ruby runs approximately one size smaller than the Roubaix (i.e., a 56 Ruby is similar to a 54 Roubaix).

[aicabsolut]

Oh, as for drop bars, you might want to consider the following compact or WSD bars:

3T (i forget which one is which, but they have some very shallow drop bars now, that come down to a 38cm size)
Specialized WSD bars
Bontrager WSD bars

These are probably the most shallow that I've seen lately.

[sundial]

Basically, I think people are saying, don't be afraid to get a road bike w/ a drop bar and also w/ an easy riding geometry that puts you more upright. More of a "plush bike" is the industry term. The drops could just be an additional option for you to use whenever you felt comfortable. I see the drop bars as nothing but providing options.

My thoughts also. Specialized cornered the market with "plush bikes"--the Sequoia, Roubaix, and the Dolce. These are lightweight zippy bikes but have a less aggressive geometry than the other road bikes.

Besides the handlebars, you might want to consider a taller stem. Nitto makes one. Also, Specialized has stems that adjust to different angles.

[NbyNW]

I know this is a very individual decision, but I can't help but wonder whether a recumbent might also be worth looking into. There are a few people on this message board who ride 'bents, and they are beautiful! (both the riders and the bikes)

[SportySam]

I would ask your lbs. I spoke to mine because my trainer did not want me to get a racing road bike since I am new to road biking and wanted me to sit a bit upright. I bought the Specialized Dolce and love it and that is what the lbs suggested. Tell him/her about your neck issues and test ride to see how you feel. I know that I feel more upright on my dolce and love it!

[FlyingScot]

Well, I did it! I bought the Specialized Sequoia Elite. What a difference!!!!!! Compared to my Globe this bike is a rocket. I even found myself naturally getting into the drops and it felt fine (the drops on this bike are very shallow). I'm taking it out on it's maiden voyage tomorrow. 28 mile ride with a group of friends. I can't believe how comfortable this bike is. I just wish she was as pretty as the Dolce which unfortunately did not fit me at all!!