That thread down below is getting WAY too long...
FWIW, a friend of mine who's done way too many centuries to count, as well as several doubles and a just-over-two-day Reno to Las Vegas ride (about 450 miles), bought an 8-speed, Nexus-equipped Townie about two weeks ago. He's already done a 90-miler on it (around Lake Tahoe, then over Kingsbury Grade, for those who know the Sierra). Contrary to the image of Townies as slow, casual recreational bikes, he says he's about as fast as he is on anything else, and a lot more comfortable. He said it feels a little like a Bike E, but more "bikey."
Darn. Now I want one...

Hey, Velo Dog!

If memory serves, then that makes two friends of yours who've gotten(and love) Townies--one who hasn't done much exercise recently, and doesn't care for "real" bikes with "those handlebars and seats"...and one who sounds like an uber-athlete who's done lots of century and quadruple century rides, and can do everything on his Townie that he does on his uber-bikes...hmmm....'sounds like a perfect opportunity to get a Townie and join in on the fun with your friends! Before I got my Fusion, I was taking a good look at the Townie 8...I really liked the idea of that Shimano Nexus Inter 8 hub!

Well respected cycling guru Sheldon Brown had a chance to take the Townie 8 for a spin at the last Inter Bike Show. Here's a link to his brief remarks on the Townie 8:

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/lasvegas/2003-outdoor/pages/vegas03-nexus8-3.html

'Glad to hear that your friends are having so much fun with their Townies! Take care....

:)

He said it feels a little like a Bike E, but more "bikey."
Darn. Now I want one...

I second that. My wife and I just bought two 21-speed Townies, and we just finished the Utah MS 150. I've ridden similar distances one more traditional bikes, and this was much more fun! Plus, they are great conversation starters. If you haven't been on one, you should at least go for a spin. It is a whole other thing...