The good news is that you're on the right track. Think of what you like about bike that you have now and what you hate. Try to find ways to increase the likes and decrease the hates.

The bad news is that experimentation doesn't come cheap. At the very least you'll need new, longer cables and housings with either of the examples that you posted. If you are paying a shop to do the work you're probably looking at a $70.00 labor bill.

There are a lot of new styles of bicycles being marketed today. Before spending a bunch money you might do well to cost out a new bike that's factory designed to better suit your needs.