Hi,
I bought the Townie Commuter bike after renting one for 2 weeks at the local bike store. I have not ridden a bike since my twenties, I am now in my fifties, and have bone on bone in most of my joints. Last week end I biked 16 miles, with no aches. I have to admit my butt was a bit sore, but it went away in a few days. This bike is not for everyone, I see lithe bikers race by me on the skinny and fast bikes. However I am euphoric at what I can now do. I get a bikers "high" when I ride my Townie-that is what the young dudes told me at the bike store when I gushed about what a great ride I had. I love riding the River Walk here in Columbus and enjoying nature. If there are folks like me out there, give the Townie a go.