Recently I brought a civia loring - front rack bike. Every review raved and raved. I find it hard to ride, however and as I live in a city with a very high car usage the negatives are running neck and neck with the positives (with the cost nipping at the heals of both). When I look at Japanese bike sites I notice the "mamacha" (mothers bike) has a basket which protudes (at most) 4 inchs over the wheel and I assume this has a lot to do with experience and practicability. It is a beautiful looking bike but I feel I may be a victim of hype, shallow journalism (and/) or google's bias? I bought a black one but the green one I tried out felt better... it had fatter tires.
Are we stretching what is possible for what is practical (by practical I mean something that carries my groceries without feeling unease at not being sufficiently in control)?
Thanks
G
http://www.bicycletimesmag.com/conte...w-civia-loring

Update:
I took it back to the shop for its' checkup. I'd noticed the disc brakes were a bit close and a bit of an egg in the front tire. After looking at it the owner told me the wheel nuts were loose and asked if anyone had tried to steal it. i haven't ridden it far enough since then to give it a good test but it seems healthier.