Thanks you two, your answers were helpful. I understand how this works a lot better now. I'm definitely not going to be racing, so I doubt I'll be using all 21 speeds on the Townie. The Electra 3-speeds are (according to the website) internal, so I am thinking that they are part of that exception.
So I think you're right, huerro, when you say that I just have to go in and try out the bikes and decide from there on comfort/features.
Thanks again!