Someone requested a picture:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7477193...in/photostream
This shows the old (Electra Townie) and the new (Trek FX 7.5). The Trek is fast and responsive. I don't think I've moved so fast as when I pulled out the stops and sprinted down a new, smooth road.
Funny thing about speed... You can get up some speed but what's really awesome is just regular street / neighborhood riding. It's faster. You can get somewhere with the bike. The other thing I've discovered: a hill or a stiff wind doesn't have an argument to talk you out of going somewhere.