Let me add my welcome as well.
I too have a few neck issues.
I ride a 7500fx and really like the more upright position, and the lower gears for Tennessee hills. Because I am riding longer distances and prefer additional hand positions, I have converted the straight bars to drop bars and added an adjustable stem.
With that said, the fx's are nice, but don't over look the Trek Pilot series as well. I wish they had been available in 2003.
And again, welcome aboard.