Originally Posted by
greatbasin
Neck and shoulder pain would be a concern if it persisted. I think I've learned that the advantages in power with an inclined riding position, being able to use the hamstrings and the glutes and not just the quads makes it worth trying for some time. What I'm not so sure goes away with time is the affect on one's view. When you're upright and look around, your head stays level with the horizon. When you're leaned forward, as you pivot to look to the sides, your head is tilted substantially from level. You can pick your head up and look around every once in a while. That's what I dislike about auto and motorcycle touring -- you're going so fast that you can only look around every once in a while.
When you are slightly leaned forward, you take the weight off your rear, and the bumps do not jolt your spine. It also takes pressure off your lower back. If your bike is set up correctly, the seat setback is correct for you, you should be balanced on the bike, with little to no weight on your hands, which also takes weight and pressure off your arms and shoulders. IN other words, you can ride many mile in a day without pain or injury. When you sit completely upright, you will need a very large, comfortable seat. The best I found for that position was on an old beach cruiser I had. The entire underside of the seat was made up of long springs, and it also had two large springs in the back like a sprung Brooks.
As long as your bars are at the same level, or slightly above the seat level, you will be able to look around and enjoy the sights just fine.