I have a Trek 820 2014 26 inch for which I had the lbs convert to rigid fork. The original suspension fork was a suntour m3030 which the manufacturer states has a 63mm travel for my bike size. I lost that fork so I have no idea what the length of the axle to crown of that when I’m seated.
My current fork is actually a decent and durable but has about 375 mm axle to crown. I have my eye on a surly 1x1 in which the 100mm travel corrected axle to crown is 413mm. My fork has a trail that I don’t know the measurement of. So does this surly.
My issue is that my shoulders and neck get easily uncomfortable where I have to sit up on my bike(holding my grips with my fingertips) from time to time on only a 10 mile ride. Doing no hands is twitchy, very sensitive to movements so great care is needed when drinking on the go. I have a different bottle now though so I get to drink only during stops, or stop myself to drink, but still, the fact is maneuvering needs good focus.
Additionally, I have thinner tires now that accommodates 1.8 in tubes. I had no ride problems with the tires on the suspension fork, nor probably the rigid ones.
My question is will a higher front make the ride more comfortable for my shoulders and neck? Could the bike tolerate that change in height structurally?