My daughter acquired the three speeed Uptown last summer. It does not have a hub dynamo, but rather a sidewall generator. Top quality bike. The ride is very predictable and reassuring. Attention to detail is just superb. The price seems steep initially, but once you throw in lighting, a suspension seatpost, kickstand, fenders, even a rack and bell, the bikes are very competitively priced.

Check the Breezer website. Joe Breeze is trying to change the world, two wheels at a time. That alone makes them worth a serious look.

As to drag in the hubs: check their adjustment. I tend to go through everything on a bike when it comes into the house for the first time. I think it's very rare for a shop to get it all right on the first pass.

Slow? Compared to what? I think in traffic, the upright position is vastly superior, if somewhat less efficient than the dropped bar position. No connection with Breezer. My commuter is a Kona Dew Deluxe, so my impressions are through my daughter.