Hi, thanks for all the helpful responses. I've ridden a Townie, but think they are too twitchy on the front end, and also think they're cumbersome. 3 miles on on of those, and my behind is sore. I've also, more recently, test ridden a Zenetic, which I liked better than the Townie, but not as much as my Cannondale Comfort 400. I live on a busy street, and riding is done in traffic situation so it's very important that I feel confident in stopping my bike and maintaining control.

Probably something that feeds into this problem is that I've had to raise the handlebars way up due to carpal tunnel syndrome. That solved that issue, but if I have to get off the saddle to stop, then I feel I'm jammed between the seat and the handlebars. I guess I'm hearing that I need to give the Zenetic another test ride.