Pedal forward is exactly the reason it is not comfortable over the long haul. Uses toooooo much leg to keep moving.

I believe you would be well served by the Trek FX, Specialized Sirrus, and whatever is the Giant equivalent - which may be the Escape series (you always get a lot for your buck at Giant).

They are more performance oriented, which means more efficient, in the long run.

Try 'em all, then decide what you like the best. (hint, they all have an inexpensive offering in those lines, or you can go as high as you want.)