About the weight: For the bike's intended purpose (reliable, everyday transportation), I don't think the weight is a significant concern unless you have to carry it up and down steps. My Achielle Oma (Sassy) weighs almost 40 pounds. Here she is:
[IMG]P1050728 by Giant Doofus, on Flickr[/IMG]

During the academic year I commute about 12 miles r/t to work four or five days a week. I also ride Sassy to meet friends for lunch and for quick grocery trips. My average commute time has not changed since I switched to this bike from my hybrid. Memphis is fairly flat, but I do have a couple of small hills and one fairly steep highway overpass and have not found the bike to be a problem on any of those inclines.

What I like about this bike is that it feels stable and secure in stop-and-go traffic. The ride is plush,and it is fully equipped for ordinary transportation (fenders to keep me dry, chain guard to keep me clean, dynamo lighting to keep me safe, roller brakes for wet weather, etc.). The bike is more like a pickup truck than a race car. It's designed to be practical, everyday transportation. That's what it is for me.

Obviously, this is not a bike set up for racing, but I don't see why it wouldn't be comfortable out for a meandering ride along a greenway. I'll try that out when I get back in town after the summer.