Originally Posted by
rjajr
5. I have a back problem, and so I ride more upright now than when I was younger, so I will need a bike where the handlebar height can be adjsted (or replaced) 6 inches above the seat. I only mention this because I have had to retrofit all of my existing bikes over the years and it has been a real headache for me..
This seems to me to be the toughest requirement -- I don't think the Surly LHT, Trek 520, Americano or Bruce Gordon (at least in standard configurations) are going to meet this requirements without some sort of stem extender or something.
I think you are looking at a custom frame if this is a firm requirement. You'd likely end up with a bike with a pretty dramatic slope in the top tube and head-tube extension over the top tube as well.
I know that both of the custom builders in Seattle could meet your requirements -- Rodriguez (
www.rodcycle.com) and Davidson (URL in my signature line). Both have experience working with riders who have specific fit issues.
Frame + fork under $2,000; the rest is up to you.