Not nescesary. I did it on my mixte, mine is relatively smaller than hers. Northroads is swept back so grips are closer to the body. Therefor you do not lean forwards as much as you think to reach them.

Also Northroads can be reduced in lenght (sweep).I did this on one bike.

Some time back (bginning of summer?) there was a thread about older road bkes that was converted to more upright riding podsition. Several great bikes shown, but I can not find it, I searched. Can anybody remmber it?

Edit: At least there should be something in the mixte thread

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...right+position

Edit2: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...=nitto+sparrow

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...hlight=upright