I'm choosing whether to buy a cyclocross road bike or a flat bar hybrid for my commuting bike. I test rode a few cyclocross bikes and I'm in love with the "Hoods" position - it feels so natural! However, usually the stock stem height is too low for me. Has anyone had any experience putting a threadless stem raiser and/or adjustable stem for their drop bars? I'm wondering if that will give me an upright position comparable (but not necessarily the same) as a flat bar hybrid. Giving me more comfort and the option to still attack headwinds on the drops.

Basically I'm hoping to raise the drop bars above seat height and bring them back towards my body. Anyone have experience with this?

A little background: I currently ride a '73 Schwinn Continental that is one size too big for me. This has really turned me off, albeit unfairly, to drop bars for commuting and has made me associate it with back pain for long and short rides. I used to ride a "Dutch" style hybrid with an adjustable stem with raiser bar that I could sit perfectly upright on.