I'm not sure how the seat could be "too wide," but that may be because my own seat is a tad wide I had alot of trouble (if I may overshare) with bruising with a standard width seat (you would think my personal padding would help, but no) and that's what made me give up riding the last time I tried. I literally could not sit down after a 1 mile ride, and standing up to pedal didn't help. I love my Townie most of all because I don't feel as if I have been assaulted while riding it. That said, I still need a little bit of padding or a change in the angle for maximum comfort.

A 5'2'' I really appreciate being able to put my feet on the ground. Those of you tall folks are used to being up high, but I do feel like I'm going to fall, even though I've never fallen off a bike. I also like that I can sit up straight, and that my bum isn't flying around in the air to get honked at while I'm hunched over pedaling. The hunched position also made my hands and knees hurt, and I've had none of that with the Townie.

As for it being a "rich person fad," I'm broke and going to college on the VA's dime. I bought mine to save money, and plan to sell my car ASAP to recover the cost. Don't be jealous because your bike isn't cute