OK, here's a commute question. I bought a Kona Dew Deluxe to commute on, and i let them sell me everything: Brooks, rear rack/panniers, a nice-ish light and a couple of red blinkies, little bell, and fenders. Also padded shorts. I paid the $200 for the ultra-high-end fitting (they gave me back half of that when I got the bike.)

I hate it. It's supposed to be really an easy riding position, and I suppose that compared to a straight-up road bike, it is. I was told I'd get used to it as I got some conditioning. Not so much. I've commuted 4.5 miles one way for 5 weeks now, and it's a chore, rather than being anything I look forward to.

My girl has a 30 mile freeway commute, but wants to get a low-stress comfort bike to have some recreation/weekend down time with me. She has her eye on a 7-speed Townie. I'm wondering if I ought to get rid of the Kona and get another Electra with her.

I don't use half my gears anyway; 7 should be enough to commute on. It wouldn't weigh any more than my Kona (30# either way).We might be able to have an actual conversation when we ride, and as opposed to being hunched over, sucking wind, and sitting on my nads, I could be sitting on my actual rear end.

I dunno. Some have advised me against it, but I can't tell where good advice stops and bike snobbery begins. Could use a little help.
Thanks.