General Cycling Discussion - Comfort Bikes

Hello all, I am a newbie to this site. I am looking for a comfortable bike to use mostly on 1-2 hour long rides on limestone gravel trails (flat with some hills). I have a Raleigh M-80 that's a good bike, but I need something that is more comfortable to ride--less hunched over because of frequent neck and back pain. I was looking at the Specialized Expedition Comp Disc. This seems to have the best components in the category... but i wonder if its suitable for gravel trails (tires fat and knobby enough?)...other bikes i was looking at include the raleigh SC200 DX, the Fisher Nirvana S, Napa and Cronuis (although the Cronus doesn't seem to have a front shock for some reason), Giant Sedona LX, Trek 4300/4500.

I would appreciate anyone's thoughts. thanks!

Really easy just get a stem with more of a rise, possibly combined with a higher rise riser bar a set of 26x1.5 slicks and slap those on your MTB Instant comfort bike.

To ride on the crushed limestone trails, you don't really need a knobby tire. They would add more resistance to rolling on a rail-trail, or bike path.

I really am not sure about this, but maybe an Electra townie?? With new tires.

If i do as you say and buy a new stem/riser bar (as well as a new seat and a suspension seat post), how much do you think it would cost? I have a 1999 Raleigh M-80. Also, how can I make sure that I get parts that fit my bike (especailly the stem)? How much work would it be? I think I would have to put grips on the bar, etc. Do you really thin kthat it's worth it to spend $XXX for a 6-year old bike with some wear and tar?

thanks for your help!

What kind of bike is the M-80. If it is a midrange, non-suspension MTB then that is just about ideal for general purpose riding on and off road.
You need to see what type of stem it has, a quill or a threadless style, and measure the length (from centre-to-centre).
With MTB tyres you really don't need a suspension seatpost. The fat tyres provide plenty of comfort.
What you really need is a good bike shop.

If i do as you say and buy a new stem/riser bar (as well as a new seat and a suspension seat post), how much do you think it would cost? I have a 1999 Raleigh M-80. Also, how can I make sure that I get parts that fit my bike (especailly the stem)? How much work would it be? I think I would have to put grips on the bar, etc. Do you really thin kthat it's worth it to spend $XXX for a 6-year old bike with some wear and tar?

thanks for your help!

I think that for that use I'd be inclined to try one of those Delta steerer tube extender things. That'll raise your handlebars up to 3 inches, which is almost surely all that you need. The part cost is around $25.00 plus a new set of cables and housings. I'd imagine an LBS would charge around $75.00 to $100 for everything.

The nice thing about trying stuff out with your existing bike is that you'll learn more about what it's going to take to make yourself comfortable. That's good information to have if and when you decide to buy a new bike. Otherwise, with average maintenance, that Raleigh will last you for a very long time.