It'll probably take a few rides before you're comfortable on a 'bent -- the position and balance are different and, therefore, uncomfortable for most people the first few times. You'll also probably have to fall down at least once.

I switched to the 'bent for pretty much the same reasons as Cranky, except that my arthritis in in both the wrists and knees. Riding the DF was just getting to be unbearable and I was about to give up riding until a friend suggested trying a 'bent. I'll probably never be more than a turtle on the bike, but I'm a turtle who does 36 miles/day, 4-5 days/week. When I go downhill, I'm not a turtle. I regularly get the bike up to 40 MPH on one part of my commute

I also enjoy the heads-up position. On my ride Monday, I was able to watch a hawk hunting over the lake. I doubt I'd have noticed the bird if I'd been on a DF.