Ditto, same challenge -- busted up back and neck with permanent C2 damage from a car wreck. Tried the original flat bars (actually very slightly curved) on my '92 Univega rigid mountain bike for a week last year. Couldn't handle the low and forward position for more than a few miles at a time.

I swapped bars with my Globe Carmel comfort hybrid, putting the 3" riser bars on the Univega. Perfect. Been riding it that way for seven months. It feels pretty much like Trek's sporty rigid fork hybrids I've tried at the local LBS. I ride it about 3-4 times a week, 10-60 miles per ride. As long as I get off and stretch about once an hour or every 10-20 miles, I'm good.

However I'm considering swapping albatross bars for the riser bars. A friend has put albatross bars on his hybrids and really likes 'em. He's more aerodynamic now and I have a little trouble keeping up with him on group rides. I noticed while following him his arms are tucked against his sides so his torso is catching less wind resistance than I do with riser bars.

Grip height would be about the same, near saddle height. Albatross bars are available in various rises or no rise at all. My only concern would be losing some turning radius and knocking my knees, but the swept back part of the albatross bars can be trimmed -- my friend cut about an inch off his.

I don't do any single track riding or trails that are so tight I'd need the advantage of wide flat or riser bars, so the albatross bars would suit me for comfort and add a bit of aero advantage. The slightly reduced reach would also reduce neck strain, which suits me.

I noticed last week my friend flipped the albatross bar on one bike, so he had a slightly more aero position. I doubt I'll do that since I'm already just marginally comfortable with my riser bars. But I'm not looking to be a speed demon, just gain a little advantage for our casual group rides and the windy, hilly rural routes I ride along open prairie. If it kicks me up from my usual 13-14 mph average to 15 with the same exertion, that'll be fine.

BTW, the flat (slightly curved) bar from my Univega MTB is now on my Globe Carmel comfort hybrid. The Globe has a long, straight quill stem with no extension or reach. The flat bar puts me just a bit forward yet is still comfortable. I rode it more often back in February after crashing and busting up some ribs. Very comfortable yet more efficient to pedal, especially uphill, than the original riser bars.