I'll see if after raising the saddle things will go well without having to change crank arms. Why don't most hybrid/comfort bikes have the same "crank forward" design as the Townie in the picture? It looks comfy and should reduce knee injuries. What's the advantage of the regular crank arm position over this forward one?
My next-door-neighbor, (who is a serious mtn-biker), has a crank-forward that he uses for riding around town, and he loves it.