I have a problem and I am not sure where to post this on the Forum. I have a Diamondback Outback mountain bike that I want to convert to a touring bicycle and occasionally use off road. The problem is that the present handlebars are too low and too far forward to be comfortable. My wrists start to hurt after more than an hour of riding. I saw an adjustable stem on an internet bike parts site, but I have been warned that you can not put an adjustable stem and then use the bicycle off road. This stem is sold as a mountain bike stem. I plan on doing a camping tour that will be off road so I need to know if this is true or just a lot of hot air. I went to my local bike shop and they foretold of doom and gloom while using an adjustable stem. They suggest a riser which will bring the stem up, but not necessarily closer to my seat. Any suggestions?

More information: I have a 1 1/8 threadless stem.

John